Box Score SAINT LEO, Fla.- The Ave Maria University women's basketball team narrowly dropped an exhibition contest on Tuesday night, falling by a 65-56 score to the Lions of Saint Leo University. The Lions are an NCAA Division II program. The Gyrenes, who are 10-0 on the season in countable games, have dropped a trio of exhibition games.

Ave grabbed the initial lead in the contest, jumping out to a 6-2 lead in the opening two minutes on two Lauren Gillingham jumpers and a Sarah Miller layup. The Gyrenes and Lions would trade the lead multiple times in the opening frame before a pair of three throws at the 3:26 mark gave Saint Leo the lead for good. The Lions ended the quarter on a 10-3 run to lead by six after ten minutes.

The Gyrenes outscored the Lions, 21-20, in the second quarter to trail by just five at halftime. Ave Maria pulled within two on four seperate occasions, but could never tie or take the lead from the hosts. Ave Maria scored all but two of their second quarter points on layups or free throws.

In the second half, Ave Maria never was able to retake the lead from the Lions, who held off the Gyrenes for a nine-point victory.

Reigning Sun Conference Player of the Week Sarah Miller led the Gyrenes with 14 points and eight rebounds in the losing effort. Gillingham added 14 of her own along with seven rebounds.

For Saint Leo, Alani Gallagher and Gina Brierly were the leading scorers, each scoring 14 on the evening. 

The Gyrenes return to the floor on Saturday for the Sun Conference Game of the Week against fellow unbeaten Southeastern. The Fire also dropped a close exhibition game on Tuesday, losing to NCAA Division I FGCU. Tipoff between the Gyrenes and the Fire at the Tom Golisano Field House is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.