Lansing, Mich. — Riding a three-game winning streak, the Aquinas College women's basketball team hit the road on Wednesday to face Cleary, with the top spot in the WHAC conference within reach. After a slow start, the Saints rallied for a 72-62 victory, pulling within one game of the conference leader.

Aquinas 72, Cleary 62

The Saints came out strong, finishing the first quarter with an 11-0 run capped by a three-pointer from Claire Gregwer at the 4:48 mark. However, the Cougars answered back, and by the end of the quarter, the game was tied at 17.

The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Just before halftime, Aquinas went on a 9-2 run, including back-to-back layups by Ashlyn Wilkes in the paint. After Brynn Reams split a pair of free throws, AQ held a 37-30 lead at the break.

In the third quarter, the Saints displayed balanced play on both ends of the floor. Wilkes hit a three-pointer, and Paige Guernsey followed with a steal. The fast break concluded with Reams finding freshman Rhema Dozier, who knocked down a mid-range jumper to give AQ a 16-point lead.

Coach Brian Morris commented on the team's performance, saying, "We are playing well as a group and staying focused on the task at hand, one possession at a time. Today, we were locked in defensively for most of the game. Even when their defense had us on our heels, we stayed patient and made the right decisions."

With under a minute to play, Isabel Reemsnyder sealed the win with a pair of free throws, giving the Saints a 72-62 victory. Aquinas improves to 12-7 overall and 9-2 in the WHAC, holding second place in the conference, just one game behind Indiana Tech.

By the Numbers:

• Claire Gregwer: 23 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists (double-double)
• Ashlyn Wilkes: 21 points (3-8 from three), 2 rebounds, 2 assists
• Paige Guernsey: 13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
• Emily Cline: 3 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals

Up Next:
On Wednesday, the Saints will be back in action for the crosstown rivalry match-up with Cornerstone. The game is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start and will take place at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center.