MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- The Ave Maria University women's basketball team played their second game of their Indiana trip tonight as they defeated the Pilots of Bethel College 79-75.

Everything was going the Gyrenes way in the first half. The Blue and Green shot over 50% from the field (40% from the three point line) and outrebounded the Pilots on both the offensive and defensive side of the court.

The second half began strong for the Lady Gyrenes when they were able to build on their first half lead. Turnovers and missed shots let Bethel College back in and with 13 minutes left in the game, the Pilots were up 54-49.

Annie Artise (St. Petersburg, Fla.) and Kimberley Tricker (Oviedo, Fla.) each made a three within a one minute span to pull the Gyrenes within a point of the Pilots with less than 10 minutes to go in the game.

Ashlee Rioux (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) went eight-for-eight from the free throw line which helped solidify the win for the Gyrenes with less than five seconds remaining. Rioux scored a career-high 22 points and also tallied five rebounds and two assists.

Madison McDonald (St. Augustine, Fla.) had another standout offensive performance, scoring a career-high 23 points (7-13 FG) on the evening as well as dishing out six assists.

Artise chipped in 10 points and nine rebounds.

The Ave Maria University Women's basketball team is now 1-1 on the season.

The Lady Gyrenes return to the court tomorrow when they play defending NAIA Division II National Champion, the University of Saint Francis at 1p.m.