KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Saint Mary's basketball team picked up a 61-52 win on the road against Kalamazoo on Saturday.

The host Hornets came out on a mission to knock off the Belles for the first time since the 2003-04 season by taking a quick lead. Kalamazoo was up 8-2 just two minutes into the game and had a response for each Saint Mary's basket early. The Belles were able to pull even at 13-13 to start a series of four ties in the first half. With the game knotted at 19-19, the Belles went on a 13-0 run over the next 6:16 to lead 32-19 with a minute and some change remaining before the half.

With Saint Mary's up 35-24 in the second half, Kalamazoo cut into the lead with seven straight points. The Belles then came right back with twelve points of their own to take their largest lead of the game at 47-31. The Hornets would not be able to get within fewer than eight points of the lead as Saint Mary's claimed the win.

The victory marks the first true road win of the season for the Belles.

Patsy Mahoney led all players with 16 points on a 5-of-9 shooting performance. Kelley Murphy just missed out on a double-double with nine points and a game-best 10 rebounds. Maggie Ronan, Jessica Centa, and Ariana Paul each added eight points for Saint Mary's in the win.

Saint Mary's (7-9, 3-4 MIAA) will return home to host league-leading and fourth-ranked Calvin on Wednesday, January 18, beginning at 7:30 p.m.