AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University women's basketball team moved back into first place in The Sun Conference Wednesday evening, knocking off the Lions of Florida Memorial by a score of 63-54. Coupled with a loss by St. Thomas, the last unbeaten in the league, the Gyrenes moved into a four-way tie for first place at 3-1. The win over FMU was Ave Maria's first over the Lions since February 8, 2022, ending a four-game Florida Memorial winning streak.

After the loss on Saturday, the Gyrenes came out with a chip on their shoulders early against the Lions. AMU shot 60 percent from the field in the opening frame, knocking down three three-pointers and racing out to a lead as large as 13 points at 21-8. Maria Kuhlman scored eight of Ave Maria's 21 points in the opening frame, knocking down two of those three triples to help the Gyrenes take a 21-11 lead after ten minutes.

Florida Memorial claimed the momentum early in the second quarter, going on a 14-0 run to take their first lead of the night, 24-21. Ave Maria scored a quick five points to reclaim the lead, and the margin remained within one possession for the remainder of the half. AMU took a 31-28 lead heading into halftime thanks to a Gianna Santacroce three-pointer in the final 15 seconds of the frame. 

AMU ratcheted up the defensive intensity in the third quarter, as the Gyrenes held the Lions scoreless for the first four minutes of the half and built their lead back out to double digits. Ave Maria led by as many as 12 points in the third quarter, although Florida Memorial was able to trim the Gyrene lead to eight, 45-37, by the end of the frame.

Ave Maria's offense ramped back up in the fourth quarter, ensuring Florida Memorial could not mount any kind of comeback. FMU got as close as seven points, but the Gyrenes responded with a 16-7 surge to put the game away.The Gyrenes made six of their eleven shots in the final ten minutes, including four of six three-pointers. Kuhlman made two of those four triples, with Casey Humphrey and Gianna Santacroce both making their lone attempts.

Reigning Sun Conference Player of the Week Maria Kuhlman continued her strong play, as the fifth-year senior led all scorers with 18 points. Casey Humphrey also stuffed the stat sheet for the Gyrenes, scoring ten points and adding five assists and five rebounds. Gianna Santacroce was the top rebounder in the win for AMU, pulling down nine rebounds.

The Gyrenes, now 3-1 in Sun Conference play and tied for first place, will face the other Miami Gardens Sun Conference school Saturday. Ave Maria will head across the state for a meeting with the Bobcats of St. Thomas, who also sit atop the Sun Conference with a 3-1 record and were receiving votes in the newest edition of the NAIA Coaches' Poll. Tipoff between the Gyrenes and first place Bobcats is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday.