Women's Basketball | 12/31/2019 4:40:00 PM

Box Score FAYETTE, Mo.- The Ave Maria University women's basketball team concluded the calendar year in Missouri on Tuesday afternoon, falling 94-57 to the Eagles of Central Methodist University. Central Methodist is currently 12-1, and is ranked eighth in the nation at the NAIA Division I level. Following the defeat, the Gyrenes stand at 11-4 heading into the new year.

Ave Maria found themselves in a major hole after the first quarter, as Central Methodist rolled to a 37-9 lead after one quarter of play. AMU managed just one field goal in the opening frame, a layup by Sarah Miller with 7:53 to play. The other seven AMU points came on free throws, while CMU made 16 of their 20 shots in the first while forcing eight turnovers.

The Gyrenes balanced out the scoring in the second quarter, outscoring CMU 17-15. Danielle Weinmann made two field goals in the period, while Central Methodist made just six of their 20 shots as a team. Despite a much better quarter from Ave Maria, the host Eagles still held a commanding 52-26 lead heading into the halftime break.

Sarah Miller led the Gyrenes with seven points in the first half, as the senior forward made both of her field goal attempts and connected on three of four free throws. Lanay Rodney was the leading scorer for Central Methodist in the opening 20 minutes with 14 points on eight shots. Ten different Eagles scored in the first and second quarters for the hosts.

Central Methodist would outscore the Gyrenes in both the third and fourth quarters, by scores of 26-19 and 16-12. AMU's 19 points in the third quarter were the most on the day for the Gyrenes. AMU also made their only two three-pointers of the game in the second half, both of which coming from Taylor Allen. Allen scored seven points, connecting on two three-pointers and making a free throw.

Weinmann and Miller led the Gyrenes with 14 points each, while Syanne Rowe added ten points. Four Eagles were in double figures, paced by 19 points from Rodney. Cheyenne Allen (11), Crimson Jones (11), and Gloria Mulumba (10) joined the effort for Central Methodist, who forced 29 Ave Maria turnovers in the New Year's Eve victory.

Ave Maria heads back to Florida as the calendar turns to 2020, and will return to Sun Conference play on Saturday afternoon against the Bobcats of St. Thomas University. The game matches two of the four teams in the league with one or fewer losses, as the 4-1 Gyrenes host the 3-1 Bobcats. Tipoff at the Tom Golisano Field House is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. as the opening game of a men's and women's doubleheader.