St. Louis – The Maryville women's basketball team dropped an 82-74 decision to over visiting Illinois Springfield Thursday night. Antoinette Mussorici led the Saints with 21 points. Taylor Kirby had 17 points and seven rebounds, while Haidyn Pitsch chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds.
 
Illinois Springfield recap
Trailing 28-26 to start the third quarter, the Saints surged ahead with a 12-0 run. Maryville hit six of its seven shots and forced UIS into three turnovers. Kirby started the burst with two straight layups, and Mussorici scored on a drive. Kirby sandwiched two buckets around a layup by Mussorici for a 38-28 advantage. UIS closed to within 40-35 but the Saints embarked on a 10-2 spree that pushed their advantage to 50-37. The Prairie Stars scored 10 of the last 12 points of the quarter as Maryville's margin was 53-47 leading into the final quarter.
 
UIS carried over its momentum into the fourth by going on a 13-2 run to jump into the lead. Pitsch sank a short jumper, and Carsyn Fearday converted two free throws to get the Saints to within 62-59 with just over four minutes to play. However, Maryville was unable to get the margin back down to a one-possession game as UIS made nine free throws in the final minute.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Antoinette Mussorici - 21
Rebounds: Taylor Kirby and Haidyn Pitsch - 7
Assists: Abby Weis - 7
3-Pointers: Antoinette Mussorici - 2
Steals: Abby Weis - 2
Blocked shots: Taylor Kirby - 3
 
Records
Maryville: 10-7, 5-5 GLVC
Illinois Springfield: 2-16, 2-8 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints stay at home for their next contest Saturday, Jan. 21, when Lewis visits for a 1 p.m. clash in Moloney Arena.