AVE MARIA, Fla. --- The Ave Maria women's basketball team was defeated by conference foe St. Thomas 65-70. The Gyrenes are 9-5 on the season, 1-2 in the Sun Conference.

The Blue and Green will return to the court on Saturday, January 10 in Daytona Beach where they will play conference newcomer Embry-Riddle University.
Annie Artise had a strong offensive effort scoring 22 points, pulling down six rebounds, and dishing out four assist. Yvanessa Vincent had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Taylor Lindsay played big for AMU scoring 16 (14 in the second half) points.
 
It was a tough start for AMU, as the visiting Bobcats came out strong to build a solid 9-2 lead just minutes into the game. 10 first half turnovers proved to be detrimental as St. Thomas ran the floor in transition to get several uncontested layups. The Lady Gyrenes also saw early foul trouble as two starters finished the half with two and three fouls. The Bobcats also dominated the boards 24-12.  21 first half points by Dannisha Pierce gave the Bobcats a 20 point lead going into the locker room.
 
AMU slowly started to chip away at St Thomas' first half lead. With 7:10 left to go in the game the Lady Gyrenes had cut their deficit in half. The next four minutes saw the two teams traded baskets and with 3:10 to go the Bobcats were up by nine. AMU responded by going on an 8-0 run to put the team down by 1 with 0:44 seconds to go with a 3 point basket by Lindsey. A two point field goal and fouls put the Bobcats to the free throw line to defeat the Lady Gyrenes.
 
The Lady Gyrenes shot 40% for the game and 83% from the free throw line. St Thomas shot 50% from the field.
 
Reigning TSC player of the week, Dannisha Pierce scored 37 points for the Bobcats, while Antishia Wright had 14 rebounds and chipped in 11 points.