Grand Rapids, Mich. – Saturday afternoon marked the final regular-season home game for the Aquinas Women's Basketball team, meaning it was also Senior Day. But beyond the celebrations, the Saints had bigger goals in mind as they took on Defiance. From start to finish, Aquinas delivered a dominant performance, overwhelming the Yellow Jackets in an 82-29 rout.

Aquinas 82, Defiance 29

It was a complete effort on both ends of the floor. The Saints moved the ball exceptionally well, with 14 different players recording points and 16 players grabbing at least one rebound. In total, 17 Saints saw playing time and contributed to the stat sheet.

The win extended Aquinas' winning streak to 12 games, the longest under head coach Brian Morris. The victory also kept the Saints just half a game out of first place in the WHAC standings, while securing a 3.5-game lead over third place.

Individually, Claire Gregwer continued her dominant stretch, posting 19 points and 13 rebounds for her 14th consecutive double-double. Gregwer, who has won back-to-back WHAC Player of the Week honors, remains a strong contender for WHAC Player of the Year.

Aquinas set the tone early, opening the game on a 15-0 run before Defiance managed its first points from the free-throw line. The Saints' defense was nearly impenetrable, holding the Yellow Jackets scoreless for nearly the first six minutes and taking a commanding 43-7 halftime lead.

Defensively, Aquinas was suffocating. The Saints held Defiance to just 2-of-31 shooting (6.5%) in the first half, including an 0-for-14 mark from three-point range. By the final buzzer, Defiance shot 7-for-60 (11.7%) from the field and 3-for-24 (12.5%) from beyond the arc. The Saints also dominated on the glass, out-rebounding the Yellow Jackets 60-40, and showcased excellent ball movement, leading 23-5 in assists.

A major key to Aquinas' success was their depth. The Saints' bench outscored Defiance 37-20, proving the team's ability to sustain a high level of play across the roster—something that will be crucial for a deep postseason run.

Coach's Take

Head coach Brian Morris praised his team's well-rounded performance and the impact of Senior Day.

"Today, we played well in all areas of the game. The energy around Senior Night really had us locked in," Morris said. "It was awesome to see our bench play so well today. We've had a great season so far, but we're only as good as our depth."

Super Senior Saint: Ashlyn Wilkes

Before the game, #23 Ashlyn Wilkes was honored as the lone senior on the Aquinas roster. The 5'10" guard/forward from Nashville, Michigan, who scored her 1,000th collegiate point earlier this season, reflected on her time with the team.

"These past two years have meant so much more than just basketball. This team has become a family to me," Wilkes said. "I'm incredibly grateful to Coach B, Coach Fish, and Coach Q for believing in me and pushing me to be my best."

Wilkes capped off her final regular-season home game with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals before exiting in the fourth quarter to a standing ovation and an outpouring of hugs from teammates and coaches.

By the Numbers

• Claire Gregwer: 19 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal (14th straight double-double)
• Leah French: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block (off the bench)
• Isabel Reemsnyder: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
• Team Depth: 16 Saints recorded at least one rebound, 8 players had 4 or more boards, and 14 different players scored (4 in double figures)

Next Up

The Saints now turn their attention to a key WHAC matchup against crosstown rival Cornerstone on Wednesday. With the regular-season conference race heating up, Aquinas will look to extend its winning streak and keep pace at the top of the standings. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., and Joey Sutherlin will have the call on the stream.