FORT WAYNE, Ind. --- The Ave Maria women's basketball team dropped an 86-51 decision to defending National Champion and preseason ranked No. 1 Saint Francis on Saturday afternoon to conclude its three game trip in Indiana.
 
Annie Artise led the Blue and Green with 16 points. Her five rebounds tied for the team-high with Yvanessa Vincent and Ashley Rioux. Madison McDonald finished with seven assists.
 
Ave Maria was able to hang with Saint Francis in the opening minutes, trailing by four, 15-11, midway through the opening half. Saint Francis then used a 14-0 run, covering four minutes of game time, to extend its lead to 29-11.
 
Trailing 40-21 at the break, Ave Maria was unable to close the gap to less than 18 points. Saint Francis would go on to defeat the Lady Gyrenes 86-51.
 
AMU shot 33.3% from the field compared to 54.4% by Saint Francis. Akyah Taylor led Saint Francis with 29 points and six rebounds.
 
The Lady Gyrenes return to the court on Saturday, Nov. 8, when they welcome Clearwater Christian College to Tom Golisano Field House for a 6 p.m. contest.