Marshall, Minn. – In the opening game of the EverSpring Inn and Suites Classic, the Maryville women's basketball team battled host Southwest Minnesota State but a late run gave SMSU a 79-65 win Friday evening. Antoinette Mussorici led the Saints in scoring with 21 points, while Maddy Meehan added 10 points. Three-point shooting proved to be the difference as the Saints managed just one trey, while SMSU sank 13.
 
What Happened:
The Saints reeled off a 10-0 midway through the first quarter to grab an early lead. Down 7-4, Carsyn Fearday made one free throw and sank a jumper to tie the contest. Maddy Meehan knocked down a jumper, and Irie Razor converted two free throws. Minnesota native Haidyn Pitsch drilled a 3-pointer to give the Saints a 14-7 lead with two minutes left in the opener. Taylor Kirby and Rylee Mulvaney scored back-to-back buckets for a 20-11 lead heading into the second quarter. Faith Hawthorne sank a short jumper as Maryville's margin grew to 25-14 with seven minutes left before half. A Meehan hoop was good for a seven-point edge but SMSU rallied to cut the Saints edge to just 33-32 at intermission. The Saints shot 52 percent in the first half but SMSU stayed close by hitting six 3-pointers and going 10-for-12 at the free-throw line.
 
The hosts finally moved ahead by two but Hunter Stidham drained a 3-pointer to put Maryville back ahead 36-35. The Mustangs went on a 10-1 run to take the lead. Mussorici converted two at the line to pull the Saints to within 54-51, and trailed by only four heading into the final quarter. Mussorici tallied on a layup to get to 57-55 with eight minutes to play. However, SMSU went on a 12-0 run in the middle of the quarter to build a 69-55 lead.
 
Statistical Leaders:
Points: Antoinette Mussorici - 21
Rebounds: Taylor Kirby - 8
Assists: Carsyn Fearday - 2
3-Pointers: Hunter Stidham - 1
Steals: Six players - 1
Blocked Shots: Rylee Mulvaney – 1
 
Records:
Maryville: 1-2
Southwest Minnesota State: 3-0
 
What's Next?
The Saints finish the tournament Saturday as they play Minot State in a 2 p.m. tip.