ANGOLA, Ind. - Saint Mary's College Basketball fell at Trine University on Saturday, 71-48, in the Belles first game of 2026. The Belles fall to 5-8 (0-4 MIAA) while the Thunder improve to 9-3 (3-0 MIAA).

Trine got out to a strong start, opening the game on an 11-0 run, and stayed hot throughout the first quarter. The Thunder shot an impressive 52% from the field to take a 21-4 lead into the first break. Saint Mary's struggled from the field in the first ten minutes, shooting just 2-16.

The Belles offense found their rhythm in the second quarter as they shot an incredible 75% from the field and outscored the Thunder 18-14 to head into halftime trailing, 35-22. The Belles used a strong 10-0 in the final minute and a half to knock the deficit closer thanks to some strong defense and two forced turnovers. Junior Kate Restovich (St. Louis, MO) led Saint Mary's with nine points in the first half while senior Hannah Outlaw (Jones, MI) grabbed seven rebounds.

Saint Mary's continued their momentum to open the second half, starting on a 9-2 run to cut the Trine lead to just six. Both teams would finish the quarter shooting above 50% as Trine kept the Belles at distance, leading 52-38, heading into the final quarter. Restovich finished the quarter with 11 points while sophomore Ella Notaro (Crystal Lake, IL) and freshman Liv Fry (Fort Wayne, IN) finished with eight and seven respectively.

The Belles struggled to find the bottom of the net in the fourth quarter, shooting just 23%. The Thunder took advantage, outscoring them 19-10, and holding on for a 71-48 victory.

Kate Restovich and junior Annie Restovich (St. Louis, MO) led the team with 11 points each while Fry and Notaro added nine and eight respectively. Kate Restovich and Fry each lead the team with four assists a piece while Fry snagged three steals.

Outlaw led the Belles with seven rebounds while Kate Restovich, sophomore Ella Andree (Spring Lake, MI) and freshman Kenadie Schrock (South Bend, IN) each grabbed four. 

UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES

Saint Mary's returns home for a single game on Wednesday, January 7, as they host the University of Olivet at 6pm. The Belles then north for a quick match up at Albion College on January 10.