Women’s basketball team loses to Saint Mary’s, 76-66

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- The Olivet College women's basketball team fell to Saint Mary's (Ind.) College, 76-66, tonight at the Angela Athletic Center in Notre Dame, Indiana.

In the first half, Comets built a seven-point lead three times, and the last time was 24-17 at the 7:02 mark. The Belles scored eight straight points to take a 25-24 lead with 3:28 left before halftime. The teams continued to trade baskets for the rest of the half, as Olivet got a tip-in basket with 31 seconds left to take a 33-31 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Comets grabbed an eight-point lead, 45-37, at the 16:05. The Belles answered with a 9-0 run to take a 46-45 lead. After Olivet senior Caitlin Thilo (Onondaga/Eaton Rapids) made a three-pointer to make the score 48-46, Saint Mary's went on a 17-3 scoring spurt and take a 63-51 lead. The Comets did not get any closer than four points with 32 seconds left, as the Belles sealed their come-from-behind win by making 4-of-4 free throws in the final 14 seconds.

The Comets had four players score in double figures. Junior Alysia Cole (Roseville) scored 14 points and pulled down 18 rebounds, including eight off the offensive glass. Making her first collegiate start, sophomore Mellissa Bageris (Milford) also scored 14. Senior Tiffany Thelen (Lansing/Waverly) came off the bench to score 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while Thilo finished with 11. Senior Kaitlin Oleksyn (Kalamazoo/Parchment) recorded 11 assists.

Saint Mary's was led by Maggie Rohan, who scored 31 points. Patsy Mahoney and Domini Paradiso finished with 15 and 13, respectively. Kelley Murphy grabbed nine rebounds.

Olivet will make a return trip to Indiana Saturday to play Trine University at 1 p.m.