THOMASVILLE, Ga. - The Ave Maria University women's basketball team earned their first conference victory on Thursday evening, cruising to a 58-48 victory over the Night Hawks of Thomas University. AMU's second win of the season was a wire-to-wire effort, as the Gyrenes never trailed in their eighth consecutive victory over the Night Hawks. The win was also AMU's fourth straight win in Thomasville, a streak that dates back to the 2017-18 season.

After starting the game with a 5-4 lead, the Gyrenes opened it up with seven unanswered points, which included a jumper and an and-one from senior Syanne Rowe. Two free throws and an Alexis Powell layup gave the host Night Hawks four points in the final 30 seconds of the half, cutting Ave Maria's lead down to 13-8 entering the second quarter.

The Gyrenes continued to stretch their lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Night Hawks 20-12 before halftime. Ave Maria's advantage grew as large as 16 points, 30-14, in the second quarter, and stood at 33-21 heading into the halftime break. AMU shot 48.1 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes, and scored 26 of their 33 points in the paint. Taylor Allen and Syanne Rowe led the Gyrenes in the first half, combining for 18 points.

In the third quarter, Ave Maria's lead never slipped into single digits, as the Gyrenes increased their lead to 46-30. Taylor Allen was AMU's go-to scorer in the third, accounting for eight of Ave Maria's 13 points. Allen scored on three layups and two free throws during the ten-minute period, while a three-pointer from Monica Behrend and a layup from Syanne Rowe accounted for the other five points. 

Despite being outscored by eight points, 18-12, in the fourth quarter, the Gyrene lead was never truly in jeopardy. The Night Hawks twice got within nine points - once with three minutes to play and again with 2:39 to play - but were never able to get any closer. After cutting the lead to nine with 2:39 to play, Thomas was forced into three missed shots and two turnovers over the final 159 seconds.

Ave Maria's main advantage on Thursday night came in the paint, as the Gyrenes outscored the Night Hawks 40-22 around the basket. The Gyrenes were also more opportunistic, turning 25 Thomas turnovers into 26 points. In contrast, although Thomas forced 23 turnovers from the Gyrenes, it only turned into nine points. As a team, AMU shot 46.8 percent from the field while holding Thomas to a 30.6 percent mark.

Taylor Allen, who played all 40 minutes for the Gyrenes, led all scorers with 20 points. The senior also pulled down six rebounds, and added five steals and four assists. Off the bench, Monica Behrend posted 16 points, while Syanne Rowe was also in double figures with ten. Thomas was led by 15 points each from     Emiah Downie and Alexis Powell.

AMU will finish their Georgia trip on Saturday against the Coastal Georgia Mariners. Tipoff in Brunswick is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.