AVE MARIA, Fla. --- The Ave Maria women's basketball team defeated Warner University, 74-56 in a conference game on Thursday night. The Gyrenes are 11-9 on the season, 2-6 in the Sun Conference, while the Wildcats fall to 5-11, 1-6 TSC. The Blue and Green will return to the court on Saturday taking on Thomas University at 1 p.m. in a conference matchup.

Four members of the team scored in double figures, as AMU's shooting percentage for the game was nearly 50%. Annie Artise led the way with 19 points, eight rebound, and four assists. Madison McDonald contributed 17 points, while Jasmine Bateman chipped in 13 points. Lauren Gillingham was one rebound away from a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.

The Royals of Warner University came out strong and hung tight with AMU in the beginning of the first half. With minutes left to go in the first half, the score was tied at 11. The rest of the half was all Lady Gyrenes as they slowly built a 12 point lead in the next eight minutes. The Royals saw themselves with early foul trouble as two starters had three fouls. AMU was able to capitalize on that at the free throw line making 81 %. 

The Lady Gyrenes continued to shoot well in the second half as they continued to look inside for Artise, where she shot 50% for the game. Their stifling defense forced 16 total turnovers for the Royals, as AMU transitioned those turnovers into 10 fast break points. Rebounding was key in the win tonight as the Lady Gyrenes dominated the boards 41-22.

Marie Fleurival and I'Munique Green led the way for Warner; each scoring 11 points in the loss.