FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

Box Score

Nov. 28, 2009 - The North Central College women's basketball team closed out a four-game season-opening home stand on Saturday, losing a 91-57 decision to the St. Mary's College (Ind.) Belles at Gregory Arena.

The Cardinals (2-2) had difficulty solving the Belles' pressure defense, turning the ball over 26 times. North Central trailed by just a 38-28 count at halftime, but the visitors shot 67.6 percent (23-34) from the floor in th second half to stretch their advantage.

The game was closely-contested in the early going, as a three-pointer by Erin Decker broke a 10-10 tie and gave North Central a 13-10 lead. The score was knotted at 17-17 when the Belles went on a 14-4 run to take a 31-21 lead with 3:15 left before the break. St. Mary's (3-1) led by as many as 12 before Christine Karl closed the half with a layup.

The Cardinals narrowed the gap to nine points twice early in the second period, but the guests embarked on a 10-3 surge that yielded a 50-34 edge. Leading, 59-45, the Belles put together a 17-1 run to expand their lead to 76-46 and put the game out of reach.

Karl led all scorers with 23 points, while Decker came off the bench to score 10. Jackie Errico led the team with seven rebounds, while Brittany James and Latrice Newson each had three steals.

Kelley Murphy was the top scorer for St. Mary's with 18 points. Anna Kammrath added 14 points and Patsy Mahoney scored 13.

North Central travels to Monmouth College (Ill.) on Tuesday. TIpoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.