Box Score AVE MARIA, Fla. --- The Ave Maria women's basketball team was defeated by conference opponent Northwood University 70-71. The Gyrenes drop to 15-14 on the season, 6-11 in the Sun Conference.

The Blue and Green will return to the court on Saturday, February 21 where they will play Warner University in Lake Wales, Fla. at 12  p.m.
Seniors Madison McDonald and Ashlee Rioux were honored at the conclusion of the game for their accomplishments on and off the court. Both seniors played two seasons in the Green and Blue.

McDonald led all scorers with 28 points, while Yvanessa Vincent had a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. Taylor Lindsey chipped in 11 points.

AMU held an early 8-7 advantage before a jumper by Northwood started a 11-2 run. with 9:14 left in the half. The Seahawks built the margin to 27-15 at the 5:44 mark and did not allow the Lady Gyrenes to get any closer than nine down the stretch. Northwood went on to take their largest lead of 38-24 and AMU went into the break ahead trailing 25-38.

The Lady Gyrenes got to within 44-37 with a three point basket by Lauren Gillingham when a pair of threes by the Seahawks pushed the lead to 50-37 with 13:32 left in the game. AMU answered with a 9-0 run cutting the deficit to 50-46 with 10:15 left in regulation.

Ave Maria used a 6-0 run to take a 64-63 advantage with 3:23 to go. Again tied at 67-67, the Seahawks connected on a drive to the basket giving Northwood the two point lead. AMU then split their free throws when Hannah Del Negro converted two clutch free throws lifting Northwood to the 71-70 win.

Northwood scored 20 points off of AMU's 12 turnovers. The Lady Gyrenes took control of the boards; outrebounding the Seahawks 38-28.

Del Negro led Northwood with 21 points, while Lakeisha Blanson contributed 19 points.