Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
The Observer

Belles start hot, fade fast against Flying Dutch

In the second matchup of a five-game home stand, Saint Mary’s lost to nationally-ranked Hope on Saturday by a final score of 72-45 at Angela Athletic Facility, dropping to last place in the MIAA.

The Belles (3-17, 1-10 MIAA) got off to a fast start against the No. 12 Flying Dutch (18-2, 10-1 MIAA) and lead by a score of 10-5 five minutes into the first half, at one point leading by six points. After both teams traded scores over the next three minutes, the Belles held a 14-9 advantage with 12 minutes to go in the first half.



Saint Mary’s junior guard Sarah Macius looks to pass during the Belles’ 70-58 loss to Trine on Jan. 28.
Caitlyn Jordan | The Observer
Caitlyn Jordan | The Observer
Saint Mary’s junior guard Sarah Macius looks to pass during the Belles’ 70-58 loss to Trine on Jan. 28.


From there on out, however, the Flying Dutch broke out, going on a 28-2 run over the next seven minutes to take the lead, 37-16, with five minutes left in the first half, and Hope went into the locker room at the half with a 44-21 advantage.

“We got off to a great start with Hope,” Belles coach Jennifer Henley said. “We didn't shoot the best during that game, and Hope did a great job keeping us off the offensive boards. We had too many turnovers in the first half that certainly allowed Hope to go on a run.”

While the Belles held the overall rebounding edge for the game, 49-43, they committed 25 turnovers, nine more than Hope.

The second half was much more even, with Saint Mary’s holding Hope to only 28 points while scoring 26 of its own. By then, however, the Flying Dutch were able to cruise to a 27-point victory, deploying ten players off their bench, all of whom played eight minutes or more.

Senior guard Ariana Paul led the Belles in points with 13, to go along with eight rebounds and seven steals, while junior forward Eleni Shea had 11 points, six rebounds and one steal. Junior forward Krista Knapke followed with six points, 11 rebounds and one steal, while junior guard Maddie Kohler scored five points and added four rebounds. Junior guard Sarah Macius collected four points and three rebounds, and sophomore forward Kelsey Ronan put up two points, six rebounds and one steal.

The Belles shot just 26.2 percent from the field for the whole game, while the Flying Dutch had a 40.0 field goal percentage. From long range, the Belles converted only one of seven attempts for a 3-point percentage of 14.3 percent. The Flying Dutch, on the other hand, had a 31.6 3-point percentage. The Belles made two-thirds of their free throws, while the Flying Dutch shot 14-18 from the charity stripe.



Saint Mary’s junior forward Eleni Shea barrels through a defender on her way to a layup during the Belles’ 70-58 loss to Trine on Jan. 28.
Caitlyn Jordan | The Observer
Saint Mary’s junior forward Eleni Shea barrels through a defender on her way to a layup during the Belles’ 70-58 loss to Trine on Jan. 28.


Saint Mary’s next takes the court Wednesday night, when it plays a conference game against Adrian. The matchup will be the third of five straight home games for the Belles, as well as one of their final five MIAA games.

“Adrian has a very balanced scoring attack,” Henley said. “They are quick in the transition game and look to attack the paint. We have to find a way to slow them down and focus on getting stops defensively.”

The Belles face the Bulldogs on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Angela Athletic Facility.