The Aquinas women's basketball team dropped a tough 83-45 decision to visiting Siena Heights on Saturday afternoon (Nov. 12) in the Sturrus Center. SHU raced out to a fast start in the first quarter and never looked back, earning the early season WHAC victory over Aquinas in Grand Rapids.
 
Saturday's result keeps Siena Heights unbeaten at 4-0 overall and 2-0 in WHAC play, while AQ dips to 3-2 on the year and 1-1 in conference action. 

On Wednesday night (Nov. 9) in AQ's 49-47 win at Lawrence Tech, Aquinas held the Blue Devils to zero first quarter points, a first in any quarter in program history since the switch to 10-minute quarters. Unfortunately for AQ on Saturday, Siena Heights exploded for 31 first quarter points to lead 31-8 after the opening 10 minutes.
 
The cushion swelled to 45-16 at halftime and Siena Heights closed out the victory in the second half by outscoring AQ 38-29 over the final 20 minutes. For the game, SHU shot 41.1 percent from the field, but maintained huge advantages at the charity stripe and on the glass. Siena Heights made 30-of-38 free throws, as Aquinas was whistled for 33 fouls in the game. The home Saints were just 9-of-16 at the line.
 
Siena Heights also recorded 53 rebounds to just 29 for Aquinas and held a 15-6 edge in second chance points. 
 
Mauriya Barnes led AQ with 13 points and three steals, making 4-of-6 free throws. Emily Cline went 4-for-10 from the field and scored nine points, while JaKarri Alven added eight points and four boards, shooting 4-of-8 from the floor.
 
Alexis Thomas pulled down a team-high six rebounds and scored six points, while Isabel Reemsnyder chipped in four points off the bench. Brighton Miller added four boards and two steals.
 
Aquinas is back in action on Wednesday night (Nov. 16) at 5:30 p.m. against Rochester.