LAKE WALES, Fla. – Warner University women's basketball team snapped a five-game losing streak with a 65-59 victory over Ave Maria University on Wednesday night in the Turner Athletic Center.  The win is the Lady Royals' first since Dec. 14 and improves their record to 7-9 overall and 2-4 in The Sun Conference.

After scoring the first points of the game on a Mariah Williams basket, the Lady Royals fell behind and trailed the rest of the first half.  Williams led all players with 12 points in the first half but the Lady Royals trailed on the scoreboard 26-22 at halftime. 

The Gyrenes opened the second half on a 6-1 run and led 32-23 with 7:45 to go in the third quarter.  On Warner's next possession, however, Kashari James scored to spark a 13-0 run that put the Lady Royals out in front 36-32 by the end of the quarter.

The Gyrenes scored on their first possession of the fourth quarter to break a nearly eight minute scoring drought.  Overall, the two teams combined for 56 points in the fourth quarter alone but the Warner defense was the difference, forcing 11 turnovers in the second half.  The defensive effort coupled with 55.6% shooting on the offensive side of the
ball helped the Lady Royals snap their longest losing streak of the season.

Williams led all players with 20 points in the game.  She also had six rebounds and four steals.  Kaley Schmick continued her strong play as of late with 18 points in the win.  Schmick was 7-for-8 from the field and also had five rebounds.

The Lady Royals will have the rest of the week off as they prepare for another three-game slate next week.  First up for the Lady Royals is a trip to Thomasville, Ga. on Monday, Jan. 25, to take on Thomas University.  Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.


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