AVE MARIA, Fla. --- The Ave Maria women's basketball team defeated Johnson & Wales, 75-58, in a conference matchup at the Tom Golisano Fieldhouse on Wednesday night. The Gyrenes improve to 7-4 on the season, 1-1 in the Sun Conference, while the Wildcats fall to 2-5, 0-2 TSC. The Blue and Green will return to the court after Christmas on Monday, Dec. 29th when they take on St. Catherine College at 2 p.m.

Four members of the team scored in double figures, as AMU's hot shooting continued to wreak havoc for opponents. Madison McDonald led the way with 18 points and three steals. Annie Artise contributed 16 points, while Taylor Lindsey chipped in 12 points, three assists, and three steals for AMU. Lauren Gillingham continued to shoot well for the Gyrenes and added 10 points in the 17-point victory.

The Wildcats of Johnson & Wales came out with a vengeance; scoring a three point basket just 10 seconds into the game. The lead would go on to change seven times in the first half. McDonald connected on a three point shot to put AMU up by six with 5:30 to go in the first half. The Wildcats clawed their way back to a two point deficit headed into the locker room at half time.

The Lady Gyrenes shot a remarkable 64 percent from the floor in the second half and connected on 5-of-8 from behind the arc in the second half. The Blue and Green forced 26 total turnovers and scored a staggering 33 points in transition.  

Joanna Tran led the way for Johnson & Wales with 23 points, three assists, and three steals. Shikina McMillan added 16 points for JWU.