MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Ave Maria Women's Basketball Team traveled to Saint Thomas University Saturday afternoon, losing 70-37.

The first quarter started off slow as only 4 points were scored between the Gyrenes and the Bobcats in the opening three minutes. With 6:37 remaining in the quarter, a Gabby Beauperthuy layup gave the Gyrenes their first lead of the game 4-2. The Gyrenes held on to their lead until 5:10 left in the period. STU traded offensive runs with the Gyrenes, as the competitive quarter ended with Ave Maria trailing 14-10.

The Bobcats kept their lead for the duration of the game.

The second quarter began with a five-point Bobcat run. The Gyrenes struggled from the field, while adding 7 turnovers. Tiffany Le netted the only Gyrene bucket, as the remaining points scored in the quarter came from free throws. The half ended with the Gyrenes trailing 29-17.

Coming out of the locker room, the offensive struggles continued for the Gyrenes, Elena Barnes accounted for much of the offensive production, as she scored five of Ave Maria's nine third quarter points.

As for the Bobcats, the third quarter served as their best quarter. STU found opportunities in the half-court, while shooting effectively from behind the arc. The Gyrenes were outscored 30-9, as the third quarter ended 59-26.

The last period of action served as the best for the Gyrenes. Barnes led the quarter with six points as she knocked down the first three pointer of the game for AMU. The senior knocked down one more field goal with a third coming from Reagon Cooper.

Barnes was the only Gyrene to hit double figures in the game with 13 points. Ashley Chilson had the next most with eight followed by Beauperthuy at six.

The lost Saturday afternoon brings the Gyrenes to 7-6 overall and 4-3 in the SUN Conference.

The Gyrenes will be back at home to face off with #25 Southeastern Wednesday, January 21. Tipoff is set for 5:30pm in the Tom Golisano Field House and the game will be streamed on the Urban Edge Network.