AVE MARIA, Fla - The Royals hit the road to take on Ave Maria University in a Sun Conference matchup taking place in Naples, FL.

This game showcased a back-and-forth effort that saw persistent shooting behind the arch from both teams. Both the Royals and Gyrenes attempted at least 20 shots from the three-point line, with the home team finishing with the slight advantage. In total, the Royals knocked down seven out of their 20 three-point shots, finishing at a meager 35 percent three-point shooting. Kalyah Watson made her shots count, however, leading the way in 3 pointers made (4), as well as scoring. Watson on the day finished with a team high 16 points, along with three rebounds, three assists and a steal. Where the Royals lacked in perimeter shooting, they made up for with stellar free throw shooting. The team combined for 20 points, on 87 percent shooting from the stripe. Jasmine Edwards led the way in this department, hitting eight out of her 11 free throw shots. She finished the game with 12 points, and a rebound shy from another double-double. The Gyrenes locked up Edwards for most of the game and forced the Royals to run their offense through their other starters. The Royals scored 24 points in the paint and contributed an additional 16 off of turnovers. Dianis Hurtado put together a strong performance for the Royals, finishing the game with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Despite Hurtado's efforts, the Royals were unable to gain a late game lead due to rebounding miscues. The Gyrenes held the advantage on the glass 40 to 33, which aided their time of possession in the ball game. Maria Kuhlman had a great game for the Gyrenes finishing with a team high 16 points on 50 percent shooting. Kuhlman knocked down four three-pointers in the contest along with contributing an additional five boards. The Royals, despite holding a late first half lead, were unable to slow down the Gyrenes in the second half.  As a result, Warner falls to Ave Maria 73 to 82 in Sun Conference play. The Royals will look to bounce back into the win column Saturday when they head down to Miami to take on the St. Thomas University Bobcats.

INSIDE THE MATCH: Warner vs Ave Maria University
FINAL: Royals 73, Gyrenes 82
RECORDS: Royals (9-12, 4-5), Gyrenes (15-8, 6-3)

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS:

• Kalyah Watson let it fly from the three-point line, draining four three-pointers in the contest. In total, Watson finished with 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists. The Royals will look for Watson to continue making her shots as the season rolls on.
• Jasmine Edwards continues a strong season, finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. Edwards has proven to be a pivotal factor on both sides of the court, and will look to continue this level of play Saturday.
• Diainis Hurtado put together a strong performance for the Royals, as she finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two assists. On top of this, Hurtado shot a perfect five for five from the charity stripe.
• The Royals shot 87 percent from the free-throw line.

UP NEXT:
The Royals look to bounce back Saturday, February 10th, when they take on the St. Thomas Bobcats on the road in a Sun Conference bout.