LAKE WALES, Fla.- The Ave Maria University men's soccer team picked up their most important win of the season to date on Saturday night, getting their first conference victory of the season via a 3-0 triumph over the Royals of Warner University. The Gyrenes stayed alive in the race for a spot in The Sun Conference Tournament with three goals in the second half, finishing off a series sweep of the Royals.

The Gyrenes pressured the Warner net consistently throughout the first half, but could not find the back of the net. Ave Maria outshot the hosts by an 8-2 margin, with three of those eight shots testing the Warner goalkeeper. The first half was a physical one, with 14 total fouls whistled and a yellow card administered to a Warner player.

It would take less than two minutes for the Gyrenes to break the deadlock in the second half, as Mateo Mencos scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal, launching a shot from well outside the box that slotted past a diving goalkeeper. That goal would last for almost 40 minutes, as the Gyrenes held off an increased Warner attack to keep their lead intact, before a 23-second sequence put the match away and moved the Gyrenes to 6-6-2 on the season. 

In the 83rd minute, Sava Cadjenovic added an insurance goal for the Gyrenes, increasing the lead to 2-0 after beating two defenders into the box and finishing. Just 23 seconds later, the Gyrenes were again celebrating, as Jael Parraga scored what would be the game's final goal on a quick counter.

The Gyrenes outshot the Royals by a 17-10 margin in the victory, including a 9-3 edge in shots on goal. All three of Warner's shots on goal were turned away by goalkeeper Andrija Vujakovic, who earned his fourth win of the season and his first shutout. Cadjenovic was Ave Maria's leading attacker with five shots attempted, four of which were on goal. The game was extremely physical, with 26 total fouls whistled and six yellow cards given out. 

Ave Maria will face a stiff test on the road this week, as the Gyrenes head to the Peach State for a meeting with SCAD-Savannah, who is unbeaten in Sun Conference play. Kickoff of that match is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Wednesday night, with a home match against Florida Memorial following on Saturday, also at 7:00 p.m.