AVE MARIA, Fla. (February 17, 2024) - The St. Thomas University (STU) Women's Basketball team continued their road play on Saturday afternoon with a match up against Ave Maria University. The Bobcats fought in a tough match against the Gyrenes, ultimately falling to them 66-62.  

This loss puts St. Thomas, Southeastern, and Ave Maria in a three-way tie for first place in the Sun Conference, each with a 9-3 record. The Bobcats now have an overall record of 19-6 after officially splitting the series 1-1 with the Gyrenes. 

The Bobcats had a hot start in the match up, scoring 19 points in the first quarter. Paige McDonald picked up six points in the first quarter, going 100% from the field and the free throw line. Marta Franco and Ra'Nae Tumblin' each put up five points for the Bobcats. 

In the second quarter, the Bobcats were outscored by the Gyrenes, but managed to keep the lead into the break. Brooke Bogatz played a key role in quarter two, scoring five points of her own, contributing to total of 14. The Bobcats led by two points, 30-28 against the Gyrenes. 

The Bobcats kept the lead for the first few minutes of the second half, but the Gyrenes were able to tie it up with seven minutes to spare. Ave Maria led by one heading into the final quarter.  

Camilla Flefil went on a key run for the Bobcats in quarter four, going 3-4 from behind the arc and 2-2 in free throws. She picked up 11 points, totaling 16 for the game. The Bobcats were ultimately outscored by the Gyrenes in the final quarter 18-21. St. Thomas fought until the last second, but ultimately fell to Ave Maria 66-62. 

Up next, the Bobcats will head home for a match up against Keiser University on Wednesday, February 21st at 5:30 p.m. 

-STU-