Box Score Pittsburg, Kan. – The University of Mary went into the game not knowing what to expect after losing Linda Murray, last years leading scorer, for the year in the offseason. Lead by Shaunna Knife's 15 second half points, U-Mary did not skip a beat as they cruised to a 78-61 win over Missouri Southern (0-1, 0-0 MIAA) to open the season.
 
Knife had a game and career-high 24 points. The senior from Bottineau, N.D., shot 8-13 including an impressive 5-7 from three-point land. Knife also had a game high 11 rebounds as she recorded her seventh career double-double.
 
Five points from Knife, a three-pointer from McKenzie Foster and a lay-up by Ali Collins and the Marauders were up 10-0 to start the game. Forced to call a time-out, MSSU responded with a 5-0 run close the gap to five. Seemingly the Lions had clawed their way back into the game, but this was the closest they would come the rest of the afternoon.
 
Even though the Marauders got out to a big lead in the first half, they struggled to take care of the ball as they committed 11 first half turnover. U-Mary's defense helped to overcome the offensive miscues as they forced MSSU into nine first half turnovers themselves and held the Lions to a lackluster 25.7 shooting percentage. Aside from the defensive intensity, the Marauders shooting was key in building their 37-25 half time lead. U-Mary shot 11 of 24 in the first half including seven three pointers in just 12 attempts.
 
In the second half Knife took over scoring 15 of the teams 41 points. The senior forward made all three of her second half attempts from beyond the arc.
 
Missouri Southern seemed to be more comfortable in the second half as they shot 10 of 20 overall and two of three from deep. Again, however, turnovers plagued the Lions as the Marauders forced eight more in the second half. Two of those eight second half turnovers came at the hands of Collins, who finished the game with five steals. U-Mary lead by as much as 24 as the cruised to a 78-61 win.
 
Also playing in their first game of the season, the Lions were led by Shonte Clay's 12 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Collins and Laura Petersen scored 16 and 15 points respectively and redshirt freshman Brittney Dietz added nine.
 
U-Mary (1-0, 0-0 NSIC) will be back in action tomorrow as they face-off against #3 Pittsburg State at 3 p.m.