AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University women's basketball found a way to win another close game on Thursday evening, rallying from a double-digit deficit to claim a 57-51 victory over the visiting Keiser University Seahawks at Donahue Gym. The Gyrenes, who have won all four of their games following a loss this season, ran their record to 7-2 in games decided by ten points or less this season.

The Gyrenes couldn't get much going offensively in the first quarter, finishing the frame with as many turnovers as shot attempts (9). For the majority of the frame, Keiser was stagnant offensively as well, keeping the score tight between the two SUN contenders. However, the Gyrenes' stretch of 4:50 without a basket allowed Keiser to go on a 12-0 run to end the first quarter, giving the visitors a 16-6 lead at the end of the first. 

In the second quarter, the tables turned. It was Keiser that struggled to score, with the Seahawks putting just three points on the board, which included a stretch of nearly five minutes without a point and nearly seven minutes without a field goal. Despite another six turnovers, the Gyrenes made five of their ten shots, getting as close as one point before a Keiser free throw send the teams to halftime with Keiser holding a 19-17 lead.

Ave Maria found their offensive groove in the second half, finally retaking the lead on an Abbey Phibbs layup with 6:01 remaining in the quarter. After scoring just 17 points in the first 20 minutes, AMU put 20 on the board in the third. The lead switched hands several times in the third quarter, but the Gyrenes ended the frame with four points in the final 40 seconds to take the lead, 37-33, entering the fourth quarter. 

Keiser regained momentum early in the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run, taking a 41-38 lead with 7:41 on the clock. From there, neither team held more than a one possession lead until the closing seconds. The score remained tied at 51 with one minute to play when Grace Field made one of two free throws to give the Gyrenes the lead.

After a block by Field and a steal by Casey Humphrey, AMU made two more free throws to go up three. Elena Barnes then rebounded Keiser's attempt to tie the game with under ten seconds left, and the freshman made both of her free throws to all but seal the victory. 

Casey Humphrey came up big for the Gyrenes, scoring 21 points on just eleven field goal attempts. The sophomore, who eclipsed 20 points for the third time in the last six games, also made her only three-pointer and all six of her free throws. Grace Field had her tenth double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Field has had at least ten rebounds in all seven of AMU's SUN games this season. 

With the win, the Gyrenes remained in a virtual tie for first place in The Sun Conference with Florida Memorial and St. Thomas. Another challenge awaits the Gyrenes on Saturday, when Ave Maria heads to Lake Wales to take on the Warner University Royals. Tipoff from the Turner Athletic Center is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.