Junior forward Gabby Diamond scored 15 points for Saint Mary’s, but the Belles were unable to keep pace with Trine on Wednesday, falling 103-42.
Saint Mary’s (1-17, 0-10 MIAA) fell behind 6-0 in just over a minute but responded with a 7-0 run of their own. However, the Belles would not lead again, as the Thunder (16-2, 9-1 MIAA) quickly took the lead back with a 13-2 run that put the Belles down 20-9 after one quarter.
The Thunder continued to expand their lead in the second quarter, making 13 of 21 shots in the period for 32 points, as they widened the lead to 52-22 by halftime.
With an already-convincing lead, the Thunder continued to control the game in the third quarter. The Belles were held to only six points, scoring only one field goal on 12 shot attempts. That one field goal was the first-made 3-pointer of Diamond’s collegiate career and came with 20 seconds left in the period. However, the shot wasn’t enough to put the game within 50 points, as the Trine offense continued to roll in the third quarter, adding another 30 points.
The Belles continued to struggle to make shots in the fourth quarter, converting only four of 19 attempts to close out the game, despite Diamond doubling her career total for 3-pointers. A pair of free throws from Trine freshman guard Taylor Griffiths in the final minute brought the Thunder over 100, as the Belles lost the game by a final score of 103-42.
Diamond’s 15 points led the Belles, while freshman guard Ally Steve added 11. Diamond and senior forward Kelsey Ronan each had six rebounds, while sophomore guard Erin Maloney notched four assists.
The Belles — still looking for their first conference victory of the season — will play at Calvin on Saturday. Tip-off is at 1 p.m.
