AVE MARIA, Fla. – The Ave Maria University Lady Gyrenes will play in three non-conference games this week in preparation for their conference opener against Webber University on December 2nd.  On Tuesday, the women's team will hit the road to play Florida College to finish their home and away series. They will then play back to back games on Saturday and Sunday against NCAA Division II Flagler College, and NCAA Division I Florida Gulf Coast University.

GREEN AND BLUE NEWS:
In their only game of the week, the Ave Maria University women's basketball team defeated Florida College 98-60. AMU started the game strong, by going on a 22-4 point scoring run in the first eight minutes. In the second half, the Lady Gyrenes shot 42% (15/35) and an impressive 75% from the 3 – point line. (9/12).

The hot shooting hands of Madison McDonald (22 pts), Annie Artise (22 pts) and Ashlee Rioux (14 pts) proved to be too much for the Falcons who struggled to get into any rhythm. Rebounding continues to be strength for the Blue and Green, especially on the offensive end (26 Offensive rebounds) as they scored 18 pts off of offensive rebounds.

Artise led the way with 10 rebounds, while Yvanessa Vincent pulled down nine.

Annie Artise was named TSC Women's Basketball Player of the Week for her performance against Florida College.
 
LADY GYRENES CATEGORY LEADERS
Madison McDonald – G, Sr. (18.2 ppg, 5.0 apg, 2.0 spg)
Annie Artise – G/F, Jr. (14.4, 7.6 rpg)
Ashlee Rioux– G, Sr. (11.4 ppg, 14-14 FTA)
Yvanessa Vincent – F, Jr. (7.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg)
 
SCOUTING THE FALCONS
The Falcons are currently 0-7 on the season. They were defeated by TSC opponents, Warner University (73-46) and Southeastern University (94-52). Junior, guard Laurie Beaty is averaging 18.0 ppg in the seven games this season.

They were defeated by the Lady Gyrenes last week 98-60.

SCOUTING THE SAINTS
Flagler College finished the 2013-14 season with a 12-15 overall record. They reached the first round of the Peach Belt Athletic Conference championship, ultimately losing to Columbus State 60-86.

The Saints return five players from last year's roster including Trevor Mason, who averaged 11.4 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
Erika Lang-Montgomery, head coach of Flagler begins her sixth season at Flagler. The Saints are currently 0-2 on the season. They were defeated by #14 ranked University of Tampa (56-58) and Saint Leo University (49-62).

Mason is leading the way for the Saints; averaging 17.0 points and 11.5 rebounds in the two games played.
 
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
Head Coach, Karl Smesko returns for his 13th year on the Eagles bench. The 2013-14 team had a record breaking year with a 26-8 record and an Atlantic Sun Regular Season and Tournament championship. The Eagles lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Oklahoma State in overtime 60-61.

The Eagles return four starters from last year's roster including first team all-conference player, Whitney Knight who averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
The Falcons are currently 1-0 on the season. They defeated George Washington University 88-75 and shot 51% from the floor.

The game will be televised on ESPN 3.

TEAM HIGHLIGHTS AND NAIA DIVISION II NATIONAL RANKINGS
Ave Maria University currently Ranks:

• Number 10 in Division II in 3-Pt Fg Made per Game (8.800)
• Number 21 in Division II in Total 3-Pt FG Made (44)
• Number 22 in Division II in Total Rebound Margin (7.400)
• Number 22 in Division II in Offensive Rebounds per Game (16.200)
• Number 25 in Division II in Total Rebound Defense (35.200)

  Ave Maria Individual Rankings:

McDonald

• Ranks Number 23 in Division II in Total Assists (25)
• Ranks Number 25 in Division II in Assists per Game (5.000)
• Ranks Number 43 in Division II in Points per Game (18.200)

Rioux

• Ranks Number 1 in Division II in Free Throw Pct (1.000)
• Ranks Number 35 in Division II in Total 3-Pt FG Made (13)

 Artise

• Ranks Number 17 in Division II in 3-Pt Fg Pct (0.538)
• Ranks Number 24 in Division II in Total 3-Pt FG Made (14)
• Ranks Number 27 in Division II in 3-Pt Fg Made per Game (2.800)

 
 
Statistics as of 11/17/14