PITTSBURG — Energized by a raucous crowd for Dairy Queen Kid's Day, the Pittsburg State University women's basketball team rolled to a 99-57 victory over the University of Saint Mary in the Gorillas' home opener Thursday (Nov. 18).

Freshman Grace Pyle led five Pitt State players in double figure scoring with 19 points. Sophomore Jayme Jackson added 15 points and four assists and sophomore Jenna Shipley chipped in with 12 points, nine rebounds – all on the offensive glass in front of 2,558 fans at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court. More than 2,100 local and area elementary students participated in the annual Dairy Queen Kid's Day activities.

Freshman Sydney Holmes added 10 points and eight rebounds for the Gorillas, while senior Tristan Gegg (10) also reached double digits. Senior Sydnee Crain finished with eight points, six rebounds and six assists.

As a team, Pitt State (2-1) shot 47.4 percent (37-78) from the floor. The Gorillas combined to make 13 3-pointers and Pitt State benefited from 19 offensive rebounds in the contest.

Saint Mary got a team-leading eight points from Skyler Kutra and seven points apiece from Demi Aamold and Jalynn Estrada.

The Gorillas will return to action next Wednesday (Nov. 24) when Pitt State entertains former MIAA member Lindenwood University at 5:30 p.m. (CST).