LACEY, Wash. – The Saint Martin's women's basketball team ended the season the right way with a shellacking over Northwest Nazarene to the tune of an 88-72 win. Keeli Jade Smith led the way in her final game as a Saint, scoring 23 points, while three other SMU players scored in double figures, Lauryn Morris with 17, Anjel Galbraith with 16 and Kiana Rios with 16. It was the final game as a Saint for Morris and Galbraith as well.
 
"I am so proud of this group," said Head Coach Natalie Marlowe. "They have shown incredible resiliency over the last few weeks and have continued to believe in and play for one another. Although we feel a bit slighted missing an opportunity to make the GNAC tournament, there aren't many teams that win their last game of the season, let alone our 6 seniors winning their last game of their careers. I feel deep gratitude for all 15 players and two coaches for trusting in me and the process. This group has laid the foundation for a promising future for Saints Women's Basketball."
 
The Saints jumped on the Nighthawks from the start, scoring 27 points in the first quarter on 55% shooting from the field and six three pointers. The Saints continued to steamroll NNU with fervent scoring as they shot 75% in the third quarter and expanded their lead to 29 at one point. Alongside her 17 points, Morris had a team-high seven rebounds, while both Madelyn Brown and Galbraith had five assists. Galbraith also chipped in three steals.
 
The Saints finish the season on a three-game winning streak with the only single-digit win in that streak coming in the win over No. 10 regionally ranked Central Washington. Marlowe and SMU will look to rebound from losing six talented and highly decorated seniors as they move into preparations for the 2024-25 season in the coming weeks.