A balanced effort led to the Belles 10th win of the season, as six Saint Mary's players scored at least seven points in a 67-57 victory over Adrian Tuesday.
The Belles jumped out to a quick start, leading 22-13 midway through the first half, but the Bulldogs closed the deficit to 32-29 at halftime.
Adrian then took an early lead in the second half, using an 8-0 run to go up 39-36. Saint Mary's responded with a 17-1 run of their own, taking a commanding lead that would not be relinquished.
Sophomore Pasty Mahoney led the Belles with 16 points, and classmate Kelley Murphy scored 12. Senior Anna Kammrath scored eight points while pulling down nine rebounds to lead the team.
Kammrath has been a leader for the Belles over the last four years, but last week, she stepped into the Saint Mary's record books with a performance that will not soon be forgotten.
In a 91-72 loss to top-10 ranked Hope last Wednesday, Kammrath not only led all scorers with 18 points but had 23 rebounds, one short of an MIAA record and a new Saint Mary's record for a single game. Sixteen of those rebounds came in the first half, one short of her career best for a half. Due to her performance in that game and her 12-point, 14-rebound showing in a win over Olivet, she was named MIAA Player of the Week for the first time in her career.
"It felt like a great game, but I had no idea I had pulled down so many boards," Kammrath said. "It means a lot to me as rebounding is something I work hard at."
Kammrath is a native of Union Mills, Ind. and a graduate of South Central H.S. She chose to become a Belle because of its small size and the importance placed on academics. She is a biology major and will attend public health school for a Master's degree in epidemiology after graduation from Saint Mary's in the spring.
Those leadership skills have impressed Belles coach Jennifer Henley.
"As a senior captain, she has shown great leadership," Henley said. "She is very organized and communicates very well with the rest of the team. She has been a very big part of helping to push this program towards the top part of the conference."
The coach mentioned how Kammrath's rebounding and ability to run the floor greatly complement the Belles' transition style of play. Henley is also impressed by Kammrath's work ethic and knowledge of the game.
"Anna always comes into the season very prepared," she said. "One of the best traits about Anna is that she never quits! She truly gives this team everything."
Kammrath will continue to provide leadership for the Belles in the second round of conference play and as they push league co-leaders Calvin and Hope. Her leadership, points and rebounds will all be needed come MIAA conference and NCAA tournament time. Kammrath, however, has already made a lasting impact on the Saint Mary's program, according to Henley.
"Anna has worked incredibly hard to get to where she is at today," she said. "I am very proud of what she has been able to accomplish, not only this season, but in her career."
