Kent State Battles in Setback at First-Place Ball State

MUNCIE, Ind. — The Kent State women's basketball team refused to relent despite falling behind by 12 in the opening period and made it a one-possession game with less than nine minutes remaining before falling to Mid-American Conference co-leader Ball State, 80-71, in a road contest on Saturday.

The Golden Flashes (14-7, 6-4 MAC) were led by senior Katie Shumate, who totaled 22 points and nine rebounds to lead all players in both categories. Junior Casey Santoro added a season-best 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting along with four assists and two steals.

An entertaining first quarter ended with the Cardinals leading 29-20. Kent State's host shot 10-of-15 overall from the field, including 4-of-8…