AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University women's basketball team completed a season sweep of Edward Waters University on Thursday night, winning a wild 75-69 decision at Donahue Gym. The Gyrenes erased a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Tigers 25-14 in the final frame to earn their eleventh win of the season and move back above .500 at 11-10.

The Gyrenes didn't make their first field goal until more than four minutes had passed, but eventually surged ahead to hold a lead at the end of the first quarter. Trailing 6-2, Ave Maria went on a 13-2 run, capped off by a three-pointer from Gianna Santacroce with 2:11 left in the first. AMU would not relinquish the lead in the opening frame, carrying a 19-14 lead into the second quarter. 

Edward Waters had a run of their own in the second quarter, flipping the lead into the Tigers' column. After a layup from Lavariah Armstead built AMU's lead to 21-14, Edward Waters proceeded to go on a 14-2 run to take a 28-23 lead. The Gyrenes were unable to take the lead back before halftime, despite tying the game on two occasions. A late free throw from Imani Dockery supplied the margin at halftime, with Edward Waters leading 33-32.

In the third quarter, the Gyrenes got off to a strong start, as Colleen Shanahan scored three times in the first 2:07 to put AMU back on top. Edward Waters would take control of the remainder of the quarter with runs of 9-2 and 7-0. The second of those runs gave the Tigers their biggest lead of the game at 55-47. Santacroce would hit another three-pointer as the clock ran down, cutting the EWU lead to 55-50 at the end of the third.

Ave Maria's fourth quarter comeback started with a five-point play with 8:15 remaining. Down seven, the Tigers were called for the first of their four technical fouls. Santacroce sank both free throws, then knocked down a three on the ensuing possession before Colleen Shanahan tied the score with a layup.

The game remained tight for most of the fourth, with the score even at 63 with 2:30 to play. AMU then put together another possession. After a foul and the second technical was called on EWU, the Gyrenes made three free throws and Emily Rapacz drilled a three to put AMU up 69-63. Edward Waters would never again come closer than four points, partially aided by the 10 free throws the Gyrenes shot in the final 90 seconds.

Santacroce's shooting once again led the Gyrenes, as the freshman made four three-pointers and added nine throws in a 23-point effort. Emily Rapacz and Colleen Shanahan both added double-doubles in the win, as Rapacz scored 15 points and pulled down eleven rebounds, while Shanahan had 14 points and 13 rebounds.

AMU will look to qualify for The Sun Conference Tournament over the next two weeks, a task that will start with back-to-back games next week against Florida Memorial University. The first of those two games will be at Donahue Gym on Tuesday evening, with tipoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m.