LYNN, Mass.- The Ave Maria University women's basketball team got their trip to Massachusetts started with a victory on Wednesday night, as the Gyrenes toppled Fisher College 86-58 at Fectau-Leary Gymnasium. The first and fourth quarters proved to be the difference in the contest, with AMU outscoring the Falcons 49-21 in the opening and closing 20 minutes. The 3-0 start is the program's best since 2010-11, when the Gyrenes started 3-0 and went on to win a USCAA National Championship.

Ave Maria put up 30 points in the first quarter, and held a 12-point lead thanks to a pair of runs. The Gyrenes jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first 82 seconds of the game, capped by a three-pointer from Katie Houbolt, and would stretch the lead to 16-6 less than five minutes in. After a 10-0 run from the Falcons tied the game, the Gyrenes closed the first quarter on an 11-0 run. Nine of the eleven points in the final 3:12 were scored by AMU freshmen, led by a layup and a three from Taylor Allen.

The second quarter again saw the Gyrenes close the quarter on a big run. Fisher outscored the Gyrenes 17-4 in the first 6:14 of the quarter, taking a 35-34 lead on an and-one. AMU ended the half on a run on a run of 14-1, and held a 48-36 lead at halftime. The run was again sparked by Taylor Allen, who hit a pair of three-pointers to give the lead back to the Gyrenes.

Another even quarter was played in the third. The Gyrenes scored the first ten points of the quarter to extend their advantage to 22 points, 58-36. Fisher battled back to get within a dozen points, but were kept at arm's reach by Ave Maria, who would convert on the offensive end to stymie any extended run by the host Falcons.

In the closing ten minutes, the Gyrenes were dominant to seal their third consecutive victory over NAIA competition. A layup and a free throw were the only points scored by Fisher, who were outscored 19-3 by Ave Maria in the fourth quarter. The Gyrenes did not allow a field goal from the Falcons in the final 6:46 of the game, causing Fisher to miss their final nine shots from the field.

Taylor Allen led the Gyrenes in scoring with 20 points, a career-high for the freshman. Lauren Gillingham set a new career-high with 11 assists to go with 17 points, her third double-double in as many NAIA contests. The senior nearly put up her second career triple-double, grabbing eight rebounds. Amanda Kasprzak also set a new-career high with 13 points, and Katie Houbolt was the final Gyrene in double figures, scoring 13 as well.

Three Fisher Falcons were in double figures, led by Choon-Hee Chae and Madison Carroll, who scored 15 points each.

The Gyrenes get Thursday off in Massachusetts before returning to the court Friday against Anna Maria College in Paxton. Tipoff against the Amcats is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.