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AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University women's basketball team rallied from a 16-point second half deficit to stun the Warriors of Webber International University with a 68-61 overtime victory on Thursday evening. The Gyrenes outscored the Warriors 44-21 in the final 18:45 of the game to complete the comeback.

In the first half, the Gyrenes found themselves in a ten-point hole thanks to 13 turnovers. Ave Maria made just seven field goals in the opening 20 minutes, and only scored two points off turnovers despite forcing ten miscues from the Warriors. 

Webber's control of the game extended into the third quarter, when a Montrese Weller three-pointer gave the Warriors a 40-24 lead with 3:45 to play in the frame. Ave Maria closed the quarter on a 7-0 run to pull within nine, 40-31, entering the fourth quarter.

The Gyrene rally began in earnest with 8:01 to play in the game, when Lauren Gillingham and Hunter Chambers made four consecutive free throws thanks to a foul and an administrative technical. Gillingham followed 91 seconds later with an and-one that pulled Ave Maria within two points. 

Despite the rally, Webber was able to re-extend their lead to six points with 2:57 to play. From there, two Sarah Miller free throws and an Amanda Kasprzak jumper got Ave within two with 1:31 to play. Miller then made another free throw with 1:08 left.

Following two Ave Maria misses and a Webber turnover, the Gyrenes had one final chance, down one with 9.9 seconds remaining. Off the inbounds pass, Macarena Corral buried a deep three-pointer, giving Ave a 54-52 lead, their first of the game.

However, the Warriors forced overtime when Tiffany Zito banked in a jumper at the buzzer, tying the game at 54.

In overtime, Corral hit another three-pointer, but Webber responded with an and-one to retie the game. Corral then buried another three-ball with 2:55 to play, giving Ave the lead for good. The Gyrenes put the game away with field goals from Kasprzak, Chambers, Miller, and two free throws from Gillingham.

Gillingham led the Gyrenes with 18 points, including an 8-of-9 mark from the free throw line. Three other Gyrenes were in double figures, including Kasprzak (12), Corral (11), and Miller (10). Miller posted a double-double with ten points and 12 rebounds. Webber was led by Ashley Perry, who scored 22 points and grabbed ten rebounds.

The Gyrenes, who are now 6-4 in Sun Conference play, return to the floor on Saturday against the Royals of Warner University. Tipoff in Lake Wales is scheduled for 2 p.m.