SAN ANGELO – The Angelo State women's basketball team made a valiant comeback effort Saturday afternoon, but could not overtake the Rattlers of St. Mary's as they lost 70-64 for their first loss of the season.

The Belles were paced by De'Anira Moore, who recorded 17 points and 13 rebounds for her second consecutive double double. Dezirae Hampton chipped in 16 and made two threes, and Marquita Daniels added 13 points and five rebounds. Asia Davis joined them in double figures with 10 points of her own.

Three Belles had multiple steals, including Dezirae Hampton, Marquita Daniels, and Asia Davis. Daniels and Davis also combined for five assists on the afternoon.

The game was dominated by St. Mary's in the first half as they went into the break with a double digit lead, but the Belles got the lead down to nine by the beginning of the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter was a close battle, as Marquita Daniels was huge down the stretch. She hit consecutive three pointers off the dribble and was later a key part of four straight possessions that ended in turnovers for the Rattlers, including two shot clock violations. The Belles got as close as two points but could not get a shot off to tie or take the lead, and the Rattlers hit their free throws down the stretch.

St. Mary's was led by Kaitlin Walla and Soteria Banks, who had 23 and 20 points respectively.

The Belles will be in action again on Tuesday as they face Texas A&M-International at home.