CHAMPAIGN, ILL. – The Maryville women's basketball team was looking for its second straight exhibition win against a Division I team when it traveled to Illinois Thursday night. However, the Saints saw the Fighting Illini pull away in the second half for a 79-60 decision. Annika Pluemer led Maryville with 15 points as the Saints hit 10 3-pointers on the night. Lindsey Schadewalt added 13 points on the night.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Saints fell behind 4-0 before Annika Pluemer splashed in a 3-pointer. The Fighting Illini were up 8-3 before Pluemer sank her second from deep, and a triple by Madyson Rigdon put the Saints ahead 9-8. Illinois went back up until Olivia Hahn connected on Maryville's fourth triple to take a 12-10 edge. Liz Behan converted a layup as Maryville went ahead 14-12 at the 3:56 mark. The Illini again jumped ahead and Alicia Burgos sank a short jumper as the Saints cut the gap to 17-16. Gracie Gopalan scored in the waning seconds of the first as Maryville cut the Illinois led to 23-18.
 
The Illini built a double-digit lead but the Saints charged back using a 9-1 run. Claire Lueken scored on a layup before Lindsey Schadewalt converted a turnaround jumper. Illinois made one free throw before Schadewalt hit a deep 3-pointer. Helen Ben drew a foul and sank two free throws as the Saints cut the gap down to 30-27 with 3:57 left in the second. The Saints went into the locker room down just 42-32.
 
The Saints stayed within striking range early in the third after Schadewalt drilled another triple, and a three-point play by Pluemer. The Saints sank their eighth 3-pointer of the contest when Pluemer found the range from deep to pull the Saints back to 51-41 midway through the quarter. The Illini were looking to pull away but Schadewalt sank a short jumper in the lane and a corner triple to keep the Saints within 59-46. The Illini scored the final five points of the session to build its largest lead of the night at 65-46.
 
The Saints got as close as 67-51 midway through the fourth after two free throws by Hadley Crosier with 6:30 to play. However, the Illini kept the Saints at bay and held on for the victory.
 
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Annika Pluemer - 15
Rebounds: Alicia Burgos - 5
Assists: Gracie Gopalan - 4
3-Pointers: Annika Pluemer and Lindsey Schadewalt - 3
Steals: Bree Shannon - 3
Blocked Shots: Alicia Burgos - 1
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints begin the 2025-26 season with a game at Parkside, Friday, Nov. 14. Maryville's first home game is Tuesday, Nov. 18, when Hannibal-LaGrange visits for a 5:15 pm contest in Moloney Arena.