KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Saint Mary's College Basketball fell at Kalamazoo College on Wednesday night, 58-53. The Belles fall to 7-14 (2-10 MIAA) while the Hornets improve to 6-14 (5-6 MIAA).
After a slow start for both teams, Saint Mary's found their rhythm midway through the first quarter. The Belles used a strong 10-2 run to head into the first break with a 16-11 advantage. The Belles defense shined in the quarter as they forced Kalamazoo into eight turnovers. Senior Hannah Outlaw (Jones, MI) led the team with seven early points.
After Saint Mary's continued their momentum into the second quarter, Kalamazoo would go on a 13-2 run to take their first lead since early in the game. After a Belles timeout, the team would bounce right back and retake the lead, heading into the locker room with a 29-27 advantage. Outlaw continued to lead the team with seven points while juniors Annie Restovich (St. Louis, MO) and Kate Restovich (St. Louis, MO) tallied six and five. The Belles defense forced seven more Hornet turnovers to bring the total to 15 in the half. Senior Nicole Connolly (Mokena, IL) and sophomore Ella Andree (Spring Lake, MI) both snagged three steals in the first half.
Kalamazoo started the quarter quick to retake the lead early before Saint Mary's was able to bounce right back. After trading baskets for the remainder of the quarter, the Belles and Hornets went into the final quarter knotted up at 42. Outlaw finished the quarter with 11 points on the game while Andree moved up to nine points while leading the team with six rebounds and five steals.
Saint Mary's struggled to find the bottom of the net in the fourth quarter, allowing Kalamazoo to pull away for their 58-53 victory.
Andree had a career night, putting up 11 points with seven rebounds and a game high snagging five steals. Outlaw joined Andree with 11 points on the night while sophomore Ella Notaro (Crystal Lake, IL) finished with nine. Freshman Liv Fry (Fort Wayne, IN) also grabbed seven boards while Outlaw grabbed six of her own.
The Belles defense forced an impressive 25 turnovers on the game, winning the turnover battle but double digits, 25-15. Along with Andrees five steals, Connolly and Fry both grabbed three each.
UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES
Saint Mary's takes a quick break this weekend before returning home on Wednesday, February 11, to host Trine University at 7pm. The Belles then head on the road again on Sunday, February 15, as they travel to Alma College.
