Box Score AVE MARIA, Fla. --- The Ave Maria women's basketball team defeated top ranked Webber International, 81-65 on Saturday night. The Gyrenes are 12-11 on the season, 3-8 in the Sun Conference. The Blue and Green will return to the court Wednesday, February 4th at Tom Golisano field house when they will play Embry Riddle in a Sun Conference game at 5:30 p.m.
The Lady Gyrenes had a balanced scoring attack with four players scoring in double figures, and two players with a double-doubles. Annie Artise set the pace as she scored 25 points, and 14 rebounds. Lauren Gillingham had a complete game as she scored a career high 16 points and pulled down a career high 12 rebounds. Gillingham also contributed three assists and two blocks in the win. "This is the best game I have ever seen Lauren play at the high school or collegiate level", stated head coach Bob Batson. Taylor Lindsay chipped in 16 points, while Madison McDonald scored 12 points (10 in the second half).
The active zone defense of the Lady Gyrenes proved to be a challenge for the Warriors in the early minutes as AMU took the early 9-2 lead. Lindsey set the tone offensively, yet was plagued by two early fouls. Savannah Foreman came in for some relief and contributed an offensive rebound and steal immediately. AMU went on an 11-1 scoring run to take the lead with four minutes remaining in the first half. The Warriors were able to execute in the final minutes and trailed by only three going into the locker room at half time.
The second half of action was all Ave as they continued to build momentum from the first half. The full court press put on by the Warriors was easily broken by the guards of AMU. The Warriors penetration into the paint contributed to 28 total points in the paint, compared to AMU's 14. Gillingham, and McDonald both responded to small runs by the opposing team as they both were fouled in the act of shooting and made the basket as well as the one free throw.
With five minutes left in the game, the AMU was in the lead 69-58 in large parts to a three by Artise followed by a steal from McDonald, who went coast to coast with Lindsey who was then fouled taking a layup. Lindsey made both free throws.Free-throws in the final minutes of the game iced the win as they shot 80% from the line in the second half. AMU out rebounded the top defensive team in the league 45-38
 "This was a big win for us. Everyone came together and stepped up. This was a complete team win. We had eight games left in the season – and not making the conference tournament in unfamiliar territory for us. We hope we carry this victory with us for our next seven games", said Batson.
Leading the way for Webber was Jessica Colson with 13 points.
