BABSON PARK, Fla. – The Ave Maria Women's Basketball team took a lead into the fourth quarter for the second time this season against the Webber Warriors. However, just like in November, the Warriors outplayed the Gyrenes in the final frame as Ave Maria fell 74-62 on Saturday.
The Gyrenes found the bottom of the net early in the first quarter as Elena Barnes knocked down the first triple of the game. Both teams traded fouls and turnovers in a defensive battle that lasted for over four minutes. With five minutes left in the period, Barnes drained her second three of the frame off a nice feed from Reagan Cooper. The Warriors found their first basket of the game at the three-minute mark of the period. Webber scored another quick basket in the following offensive possession. Barnes was able to stop the Warrior momentum with a finish in the lane, followed by another shot from behind the arc. A Juliette Sigurnjak three-pointer extended the Gyrene lead 14-6. Barnes accounted for 11 of the Gyrenes points.
The start of the second frame continued to favor the efforts of the Gyrenes. Gabby Beauperthy was able to finish through contact, knocking down the first basket. Her free throw attempt was good. On the following offensive possession, Cortney Smith was able to finish a shot in the paint, despite being fouled. Smith's free throw gave the Gyrenes a 6-0 run and their largest lead of the game 23-10.
Webber went on a run of their own scoring three consecutive possessions. In the following five minutes the Warriors outscored the Gyrenes 18-5 and eventually tied the game 28-28. Both teams traded baskets as the Gyrenes managed to head into the locker room with a 37-33 lead. Smith led the quarter with 11 points for the Gyrenes.
The third quarter resembled the competitive nature of the last six minutes of the second quarter. Both teams traded runs, as the Warriors were able to tie the Gyrenes twice. Barnes and Beauperthuy led the Gyrene efforts on the offensive and defensive side of the court. A late free throw from Beauperthuy extended the Gyrene lead to three points as the third quarter ended 50-47.
Two quick baskets gave Webber their first lead with 9:01 remaining in the fourth. Both teams traded runs for most of the time remaining, as six lead changes transpires. The Warriors grabbed a hold of the lead at the five-minute mark and never gave it back. Webber outlasted the Gyrenes for the remainder of the game to secure the win.
Barnes led the team with a season-high 23 points, swishing five shots from behind the arc. Two more Gyrenes hit double figures as well with Beauperthuy scoring 15 and Smith logging a career-high 14 points. Both Barnes and Beauperthuy recorded double doubles by leading the team with 10 rebounds.
With the loss, Ave Maria falls to 7-8 overall and 4-5 in conference play. The Gyrenes are now in a three-way tie for fifth place with Florida Memorial and Webber.
The Gyrenes are back home Wednesday, January 28, as they open a three-game homestand. The Gyrenes welcome the New College of Florida Mighty Banyans, whom they beat 65-62 in November for their first conference win under head coach Jelani Akil. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on the Urban Edge Network.
