DENTON, Texas — The St. Mary's University Women's Basketball team came closer than most teams against No. 2 Texas Woman's, dropping a 49-40 decision at Kitty Magee Arena on Thursday morning.
The Pioneers (14-1, 7-1) had won six straight by over 10 points, and the Rattlers (7-6, 3-4) became just the third team to come within double figures of beating the veteran team.
Freshman
Raynne Malik (London, Ontario) was a big reason for the push, as she recorded a career-high 15 rebounds, including 12 on the defensive end of the floor to limit TWU's opportunities. Her 15 boards are the most for St. Mary's this season and the highest total since
Taylor Haggan had 15 against Regis on Nov. 11, 2023.
Junior
Brooke Kleinig (Adelaide, Australia) provided a big spark off the bench, recording a team-high four steals, including two off the inbounds pass in the second half that translated to easy layups for the Rattlers.
Junior
Imani Ivery (Houston) and senior
Stina Svilberg (Tallinn, Estonia) tied for team-high honors, scoring eight each, while both freshman
Christin Callens (Houston) and junior
Quezia Bertoni (Sao Paulo, Brazil) chipped in seven each. Bertoni also led the game with five assists.
The Rattlers held the Pioneers to their lowest scoring output of the year (49), third-lowest shooting percentage of the season (.357) and to 32 rebounds – their second-lowest total of the year. StMU also forced two shot clock violations among the 17 turnovers by TWU.
Defending LSC Player of the Year Ashley Ingram scored 22 of the Pioneer's 49 points, and she led the team with nine rebounds, four assists and four steals.
The Rattlers turn their attention to another nationally-ranked foe in UT Tyler. The Patriots are ranked #18 and the teams square off on Saturday at 1 p.m.
