St. Louis - The Maryville women's basketball team pushed No. 1 Grand Valley State but the Lakers pulled away late in a 78-57 decision Saturday afternoon. The Saints trailed by just one point midway through the third quarter before GVSU used a big run in the fourth. Haidyn Pitsch paced four Saints in double figures with 18 points, the second highest total in her career, and topped the team with eight rebounds.
 
Grand Valley State recap
Trailing by 13, the Saints chipped away at the top-ranked Lakers advantage. Taylor Kirby completed a three-point play, and Maddy Meehan scored on a layup. Carsyn Fearday knocked down a jumper as Maryville closed to within 30-24 at halftime.
 
The Maryville deficit stood at 33-27 before Antoinette Mussorici drilled a 3-pointer. Pitsch made a layup that pulled the Saints to 33-32 with seven minutes left in the third. The Lakers answered with a 10-0 run before Pitsch sank a jumper.
 
Trailing 49-38 heading into the fourth quarter, Pitsch was fouled on a 3-point attempt. She sank all three at the line to bring the Saints to within 49-41. However, Grand Valley State used an 8-2 burst to go up 57-43. Two free throws by Mussorici pulled Maryville to 57-45 with seven minutes to play but the Saints we unable to trim the gap to single digits.
 
Kirby and Mussorici both finished with 11 points, while Fearday added 10. Abby Weis handed out a career-best five assists.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Haidyn Pitsch - 18
Rebounds: Haidyn Pitsch - 8
Assists: Abby Weis - 5
3-Pointers: Haidyn Pitsch - 3
Steals: Antoinette Mussorici - 3
Blocked Shots: Hunter Stidham - 1
 
Records
Maryville: 1-1
Grand Valley State: 2-0
 
What's Next?
The Saints return to play Thursday, Nov. 17, when they host Arkansas Tech for a 5:30 p.m. contest in Moloney Arena.