St. Louis – In its regular season finale, the Maryville women's basketball team built a double-digit lead versus McKendree but the Bearcats rallied for a 77-66 win. Taylor Kirby hit 8-of-13 shots and finished with a team high 17 points. Antoinette Mussorici just missed a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds to go along with six assists. Carsyn Fearday finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.
 
McKendree recap
Holding a 33-30 edge early in the third, the Saints reeled off eight straight points. Hunter Stidham drained a 3-pointer, and Haidyn Pitsch followed from deep. Kirby scored on a layup for a 41-30 lead. Pitsch splashed in a wing triple as the Saints took their largest lead of the night at 46-33 with 6:37 left in the third.
 
The Bearcats scored nine straight to crawl back into the game. Fearday hit an elbow jumper but McKendree tacked on an 8-0 burst to grab a 50-48 edge. Kirby powered up for back-to-back layups and a 52-50 lead but the Bearcats tied it at 52-all heading into the fourth.
 
The Bearcats carried over their strong play and used a 12-4 burst to surge out front. Maryville had a 6-2 run and eventually got as close as 71-66. However, McKendree scored six points in the final minute to seal the win.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Taylor Kirby - 17
Rebounds: Antoinette Mussorici - 9
Assists: Antoinette Mussorici - 6
3-Pointers: Haidyn Pitsch - 2
Steals: three players - 1
Blocked Shots: Taylor Kirby and Hunter Stidham - 1
 
Records
Maryville: 15-12, 10-10 GLVC
McKendree: 11-15, 8-11 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints will be in action at the 2023 GLVC Tournament on a date and opponent to be announced next week. The tourney will be held at Hyland Arena on the campus of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo.