The Ave Maria University Women's Basketball Team defeated the visiting Warner University Royals 77-63 at the Donahue Academy Gymnasium. This was the first conference game for the Lady Gyrenes who are now a member of the NAIA's Sun Conference. AMU is now 1-0 in the official conference standings.

As far as records are concerned, Warner University and Ave Maria University walked into the gym evenly matched. Warner held a 5-7 overall record while the Lady Gyrenes stood at 5-6 overall. At the end of the game, both teams had shot 42 percent from the field and had nearly the same free throw percentage. Despite similar shooting percentages, AMU was able to separate themselves through their offensive rebounding and by capitalizing on second shot attempts. The Lady Gyrenes grabbed a total of 20 offensive rebounds compared to Warner's 10. 

The Lady Gyrenes' defense was sound throughout the game. AMU forced 20 turnovers by the Lady Royals and collected 9 steals.

Carey Fullilove led the offensive attack for AMU with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Sandy Jenkins had 14 points with 6 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. Erika Derks scored 14 with 5 boards, 1 assist, and 2 steals. Emily Huber had 13 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Amy Myler nearly had a double-double. She walked away one point short. She had 9 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Saira Morgan also had 9 points with 4 assists and a steal.

For Warner, Ivana Soberal led all scorers with 18 points. She was 4-4 in three-point attempts and 4-4 at the line. Collectively, the Lady Royals shot an impressive 9-18 from beyond the arc.

AMU, now 6-6 overall, will play again on January 6, 2010 against Rochester College. The game will be played at the Donahue Academy Gymnasium at 4:30 p.m.