MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Ave Maria Women's Basketball team found themselves down seven points heading into the final frame in their game against Florida Memorial Lions. However, that did not faze the Gyrenes one bit as they surged in the fourth quarter to win their first game of the new year 61-57.
The first quarter was quiet between the two teams, with Florida Memorial taking an early 10-9 lead after the first 10 minutes. Tiffany Le hit the only three-pointer of the quarter for either team, and was one of two field goals in the opening frame for Ave Maria.
The Gyrenes trailed for the first nine minutes of the second quarter but were never more than two possessions away from the Lions. In the final minute of the game, Le hit her second three of the half to tie the game at 25. Ave Maria netted three trifectas in the first half, getting the other from Parker Straub.
Coming out of halftime, Florida Memorial retook the lead with a layup on their first possession, but the Gyrenes responded. During their first time with the ball, Giavanna Rogers knocked down a three from the corner to give the Gyrenes their first lead since the first quarter.
That would be the only lead of the frame for the Gyrenes as the Lions outscored them 19-11 in the final nine minutes. At the end of three quarters, Ave Maria found themselves down 46-39.
With 10 minutes left to play, the Gyrenes fought their way back to a tie game. The tying blow was dealt with a little over three minutes left to play. Gabby Beauperthuy drove into the paint and hit a layup while also drawing the foul. Beauperthuy hit her free throw and tied the game at 52. The senior hit another layup on the following offensive possession for the Gyrenes to give Ave Maria their second lead of the half.
The Lions tied the game one more time after the Gyrenes took the lead, but Ave Maria hit their free throws in the final minute to ensure their win.
Two players tied for the most points on the team with Ashley Chilson and Elena Barnes each scoring 14 points. Beauperthuy joined them in double figures with 13 points. Both Chilson and Beauperthuy recorded a double-double with each collecting 10 rebounds.
The Gyrenes hit six three-pointers in the game with half of those coming from Le.
With the win, Ave Maria improves to 5-5 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Through four games, the Gyrenes are now tied with the Lions for fifth place in the conference.
Ave Maria is back home for their next game as they host the Warner Royals Wednesday, January 7. The Royals had the day off on Saturday and are 0-3 to start their conference season. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on the Urban Edge Network.
