Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Aquinas College women's basketball team clashed with UM-Dearborn today (Feb. 10) while honoring its seniors during Senior Day. Maddie Sermak, Jenna Daschke, and Alona Blackwell were all honored before the game as they were set to play their final Saturday basketball game on "Coach Bo" court. The seniors went out in style, beating the Wolverines 79-64.

Aquinas improved to 10-14 with a 7-11 conference record as the Saints battle for a spot in the conference tournament.

Aquinas 79, UM-Dearborn 64

Blackwell got the scoring started for the Saints, nailing a three and following that up with a three-point play to put AQ ahead off the blocks. Aquinas continued to overpower the Wolverines, leading by as much as 12 at one point in the first quarter. Sermak connected on a pair of jumpers down to stretch as AQ led 20-10 heading into the first intermission.

Ashlyn Wilkes and Blackwell scored the first six points of the second quarter to continue building Aquinas' lead. The Wolverines could not establish any momentum in the period as threes from Claire Gregwer and Blackwell had AQ ahead by 15 at the end of the half.

Aquinas continued to coast in the second half, leading by as many as 23 in the fourth quarter. Sermak, Daschke, and Blackwell were all subbed out in the fourth quarter to a loud standing ovation from the crowd early in the fourth.

Leah French came off the bench and swished a three and scored a layup to keep the scoring going for the Saints. Emily Bissett matched her five points while Ka'Shai Babb and Emilynne Braue added a couple of points of their own.

AQ coasted to a 79-64 victory once the clock struck double zeros.

By the Numbers

Aquinas dominated the boards today, leading UM-Dearborn 55-40 and generating 21 second-chance points to UMD's seven. The Saints also scored more field goals (30-26) and more free throws (11-8).

Blackwell's quest towards Aquinas history continued this afternoon with another 25 points. She is now at 625 points this season, moving her into second all-time and only 32 points from the all-time record. She also had 10 rebounds and eight assists, nearly recording a triple-double on Senior Day.

Gregwer recorded 15 points after shooting 6-9 from the field and 2-3 from three. In addition, she had five boards, one assist, one block, and one steal.

Sermak ended the game with six points and a pair of assists. Ciara Hardy had seven points and nine rebounds.

Up Next

AQ is back on the road this week with games on Wednesday (Feb. 14) and Saturday (Feb. 17). The Saints take on UNOH on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and Madonna on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.