Lebanon, Ill. – Boosted by a career-high 21 points from Taylor Kirby, the Maryville women's basketball team won its final road game of the season with a 69-53 decision at McKendree Saturday. The junior forward sank 8-of-12 shots from the field and added six rebounds, while Antoinette Mussorici finished with 19 points and hauled down a career-high tying eight rebounds.
 
What Happened:
Down 8-6, the Saints went on an 11-1 run over the final three minutes of the opening quarter. Mussorici started the burst with a layup, and Kirby powered for a layup. The Bearcats scored one free throw but Kirby and Mussorici tallied buckets again. Carsyn Fearday drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer for a 17-9 lead.
 
McKendree cut the gap to 21-20 before the Saints answered with nine straight points. Olivia Kastens found the mark from deep, and Meehan scored inside. Kirby made a layup, and two Fearday free throws handed the Saints a 30-20 lead. Kirby's late score pushed Maryville ahead 36-24 at intermission.
 
Two buckets by Mussorici and Haidyn Pitsch put the Saints on top 40-24, and Maryville stretched the margin to as much as 55-37. Early in the fourth quarter, Pitsch and Kirby converted layups as the Saints built their largest lead of the day at 59-40. The margin never fell below double digits as Maryville won for the third time in four games.
 
Statistical Leaders:
Points: Taylor Kirby - 21
Rebounds: Antoinette Mussorici - 8
Assists: Carsyn Fearday - 6
3-Pointers: three players - 1
Steals: Maddy Meehan - 3
Blocked Shots: three players - 1
 
Records:
Maryville: 12-12, 8-10
McKendree: 3-19, 2-13
 
What's Next?
The Saints will host Lewis Thursday, Feb. 24, at 5:15 as part of #1000Saints night. Maryville is looking to draw 1,000 fans to Moloney Arena.