St. Louis – Maryville women's basketball was looking to improve on its perfect 3-0 start in Great Lakes Valley Conference play but No. 7 Drury halted the Saints with a 74-56 decision. Antoinette Mussorici led Maryville with 17 points and four assists, while Faith Hawthorne and Rylee Mulvaney both snared six rebounds apiece. The Saints were effective at the free-throw line, hitting 91.7 percent at the stripe (11-of-12).
 
Drury recap
The Saints trailed 17-12 after the first quarter, kept the Drury within striking range in the second quarter. Drury used a 15-6 burst and took a 34-21 edge at the break. Early in the third quarter, the Lady Panthers pushed their lead up to 43-35. The Saints used baskets by Hawthorne and Hunter Stidham to close the gap to 14. Four free throws by Haidyn Pitch cut the gap down to 51-39 late in the third quarter.
 
Carsyn Fearday had a basket and her free throw pulled the Saints to 55-44 with eight minutes left in the game. However, Drury scored nine straight points and slowly pulled away to stay unbeaten in the GLVC. Taylor Kirby came up with a career-high five steals to bolster the Maryville defense.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Antoinette Mussorici - 17
Rebounds: Rylee Mulvaney and Faith Hawthorne - 6
Assists: Antoinette Mussorici - 8
3-Pointers: three players - 1
Steals: Taylor Kirby - 5
Blocked Shots: Taylor Kirby - 1
 
Records
Maryville: 5-3, 3-1 GLVC
No. 7 Drury: 7-1, 3-0 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints take a break from GLVC play and host Baptist Bible College for a 5:30 p.m. game Wednesday, Dec. 7.