ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla.- The Ave Maria University women's basketball team was defeated by an NCAA Division II opponent on Saturday afternoon, losing 101-54 to the Flagler University Saints in St. Augustine. It was the second consecutive contest for Ave Maria against an NCAA opponent, following an exhibition loss to Lynn University.
Flagler never trailed in the contest, scoring eight of the first ten points to grab an early 8-2 lead. The Saints jumped out to a 16-point lead after the first quarter, holding a 24-8 lead after the first ten minutes.
The Saints further widened the lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Gyrenes 28-16. The frame featured seperate 11-0 and 11-2 runs to help Flagler claim a 52-24 lead at halftime. In the third and fourth quarters, Flagler continued to increase its advantage, winning each of the final two quarters.
Flagler was at its best near the basket, outscoring the Gyrenes 58-22 in the paint. The Saints also forced 22 AMU turnovers, and turned them into 26 points. In addition, the Saints outrebounded Ave 53-34 on Saturday afternoon.
For Ave Maria, Katie Houbolt was the leading scorer with eight points, including a pair of three-pointers. Lauren Gillingham added seven points, five rebounds, and five assists, and Emily Acosta scored seven points of her own.
The Saints were led by Malaysia Robinson, who scored a game-high 23 points. Robinson was one of four Flagler players in double figures, including Tiffany Hodge, who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Beginning next week, the Ave Maria women's basketball program embarks on a five day, four game trip to the greater Boston area. The stretch begins with a game on Wednesday night against Fisher College, and continues Friday evening against Anna Maria College. The trip ends with two games at Emerson College's Emerson Tip-Off event.
