TOWN AND COUNTRY, Mo. - McKendree University women's basketball won its third consecutive game on Monday night as the Bearcats defeated Maryville University 63-59. McKendree improved to 4-2 on the season and 2-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with the win.  

The Bearcats jumped out to a 21-10 lead in the first quarter as senior guard Christy Fortune accounted for 11 of McKendree's 21 first-quarter points. The Saints netted 20 points in the second half to close the gap to five heading into the second half at 35-30. 

Offense slowed down for both teams in the third quarter, setting the score at 45-43 in favor of the Bearcats. Although Maryville would tie the score early in the fourth quarter, McKendree went on an 11-2 run to stretch their lead to nine. The Bearcats out shot the Saints from the field 60 percent to 33 percent in the fourth quarter, securing the win 63-59. 

McKendree was led in scoring by junior guard Clare Breden with 14 points while Fortune and senior forward Naomi McDaniel ended the game with 13 and 12 points respectively. McDaniel was just shy of a double-double snagging nine rebounds in addition to seven rebounds from Fortune. Senior guard Madyson Harper dished four assists and tallied two blocks in the victory.  

Up next, the Bearcats are home for two GLVC contests against Rockhurst on Thursday, Nov. 30 and William Jewell on Saturday, Dec. 2.