Grand Rapids, Mich. — Ouch!
Mama said there would be days like this, and unfortunately for the AQ Saints, the first round of the WHAC Tournament was that day. In a #4 vs. #5 battle — Saints vs. Saints — inside the friendly confines of the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center, it was Siena Heights who came out firing, shooting with confidence and applying relentless pressure to bring the Aquinas season to an abrupt and emotional close.
Siena Heights 60, Aquinas 45
The tone was set early, and it was not the one AQ had hoped for.
Aquinas did not record a single field goal in the opening quarter, going 0-for-14 from the floor. All four of the Saints' first-quarter points came from the free throw line, as Emily Cline and Paige Guernsey converted at the stripe. Meanwhile, Siena Heights built a 21-4 lead after one, putting AQ in an early hole.
To their credit, the Saints never folded.
Isabel Reemsnyder led Aquinas with 17 points, knocking down three triples and attacking the paint with urgency. Rhema Dozier added 10 points, including two second-half threes as AQ searched for momentum. Leah French provided a spark off the bench with eight points, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc.
Emily Cline battled inside for nine rebounds and dished out five assists, while Hope Kanouse matched her with nine boards and added three assists of her own. Paige Guernsey, the steady senior leader, contributed four points and five assists while handling defensive pressure throughout the night.
Brynn Reams added two points and physicality in the paint. McKenzie Munson scored late and provided interior presence. Hannah Gillette, Ellie Wrona, Emilynne Braue, Madelyn Smith, and Lauren Meerman all saw action as Coach Brian Morris trusted his depth in postseason play.
Aquinas outscored Siena Heights 15-9 in the second quarter and competed evenly across much of the final three frames. But in tournament basketball, a 17-point first-quarter deficit can feel like climbing a mountain in sneakers.
And on this night, the hill was just a little too steep.
The Saints close the 2025-26 season with a 19-9 overall record and a 17-5 mark in WHAC play, finishing tied for third in the conference standings. While the result was not what anyone wanted, this team gave Aquinas a season to be proud of. To the seniors and to the coaching staff — thank you for the leadership, the grit, and the example you set.
WHAC Conference Recognition
Aquinas was well represented in the postseason awards. Paige Guernsey earned First Team All-Conference honors after a season defined by leadership, consistency, and toughness. Isabel Reemsnyder was named Second Team All-Conference, capping off a strong senior campaign as one of AQ's most reliable offensive threats.
Clemmie Gadwood received the Champions of Character Award, embodying the NAIA's core values. The Saints also placed eight student-athletes on the WHAC All-Academic Team (3.25 GPA or higher): Emilynne Braue, Leah French, Mary Gadwood, Paigelyn Guernsey, Hope Kanouse, McKenzie Munson, Brynn Reams, and Madelyn Smith — a testament to excellence in the classroom as well as in competition.
Coach's Comments
After the game, Head Coach Brian Morris reflected on both the moment and the larger picture:
"This one hurts. We didn't play our best basketball in that first quarter, and in the post-season, that can change everything. But one off game does not erase what this team accomplished. I am incredibly proud of how they grew, how they competed, and how they represented Aquinas all season long. Our seniors set the tone for this program, and that standard is something we will continue to build on."
Inside the Numbers
• 0 field goals in the first quarter (4 points, all from the free throw line)
• 17 points from Isabel Reemsnyder to lead AQ
• 9 rebounds each from Emily Cline and Hope Kanouse
• 8 three-pointers made by the Saints
• 19 wins this season, 17 in WHAC play
Up Next
The AQ community remains incredibly appreciative of how this team battled, represented with pride, and competed under the NAIA initiative of "The Right Way to Play." The AQ way.
To the seniors — thank you. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and the heart you poured into this program. And as we look ahead to 2026-27, the Saints return a strong core ready to carry that standard forward.
Be sure to stay up to date with all AQ Athletics by regularly checking AQSaints.com for stats, scores, highlights, and much more.
