Grand Rapids, Mich. – You can see it building week by week with the 2025–26 AQ Women's Basketball team. The Saints are defending better, sharing the ball with purpose, and beginning to find their stride at the most important point of the season. Entering Saturday's Senior Day showdown with the Gray Wolves of Lourdes, Aquinas had won five straight and was looking to show the rest of the WHAC that it belongs firmly in the conference's upper tier. In front of a packed Sturrus Sports Center, the Saints delivered when it mattered most.
Aquinas 66, Lourdes 63
Saturday's Senior Day contest had the feel of a postseason game from the opening tip, as both teams traded punches in a tightly contested first quarter. Lourdes came out shooting efficiently, but Aquinas stayed within striking distance behind early baskets from Paige Guernsey and Emily Cline, trailing 21–16 after one. The Saints settled in on defense in the second quarter, holding Lourdes to just nine points, while Guernsey attacked the paint and knocked down free throws to cut the deficit to 30–28 at halftime.
The third quarter proved to be a turning point, as Aquinas delivered its most complete stretch of basketball. Guernsey continued to control the tempo, Isabel Reemsnyder knocked down a timely three, and Rhema Dozier brought energy on both ends of the floor as the Saints outscored Lourdes 17–11 to build a four-point advantage heading into the final period. Defensively, AQ contested every look and limited second-chance opportunities, forcing Lourdes to work deep into the shot clock.
The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to create separation. Lourdes answered with timely perimeter shooting, but Aquinas matched every run. Dozier buried two clutch three-pointers, Hannah Gillette came off the bench to knock down a huge triple, and Cline controlled the glass while protecting the rim. Each possession felt magnified as the clock continued to wind down.
The final minute turned the Sturrus Sports Center into a pressure cooker. With Lourdes clawing back and every possession carrying enormous weight, Aquinas was forced to execute under fire. After a Gray Wolves basket cut the lead to one, Guernsey took the inbounds, absorbed contact, and calmly knocked down both free throws, drawing a roar from the crowd. Lourdes answered again to keep it a one-possession game, but the Saints never flinched. Guernsey was fouled once more and buried two more from the line, pushing AQ ahead with seconds ticking away. On the final possession, Lourdes launched a desperation heave from the opposite side of the court. The shot sailed harmlessly as the horn sounded, igniting an eruption from the home crowd and sending the Saints spilling off the bench to celebrate a gritty Senior Day victory.
Guernsey led all scorers with 27 points while adding five rebounds and four assists, setting the tone offensively and at the free-throw line late. Cline posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three blocks, anchoring the Saints defensively. Reemsnyder finished with 11 points, Dozier added eight, and Hope Kanouse pulled down 12 rebounds with five assists as Aquinas controlled the glass and played with poise in winning time.
With the win, Aquinas improves to 16–7 overall and 14–4 in WHAC play, while Lourdes falls to 19–5 overall and 15–3 in the conference. While Lourdes is 1 game ahead of Aquinas, they still have to play Rochester Christian.
After Father Bob Keller delivered the pre-game prayer, public address announcer JD (John Danielson) informed the packed house that it was his birthday, so we wanted to wish him happy birthday as well. Also, not only did Ted Craig bring the Saints Pep Band, but the Sturrus crowd was also treated to multiple alumni band members joining in.
Inside the Numbers
• Aquinas shot 94.4 percent from the free-throw line (17-of-18)
• Paige Guernsey scored 27 points and went 9-for-9 at the stripe
• The Saints held Lourdes to nine points in the second quarter
• AQ won the rebounding battle 44–38
• Aquinas has now won six straight games
Coach's Comments
After the game, Head Coach Brian Morris reflected on the moment and the seniors who helped build it:
"I'm incredibly proud of this group, especially our seniors and the way they've continued to lead through example. They've been through a lot together, and to see them respond like this on Senior Day, with that kind of composure and toughness, means everything. This team is connected, they trust one another, and they keep finding ways to win."
Up Next
The Saints will head to Southfield, Michigan on Wednesday night for a primetime road test at Lawrence Tech, as Aquinas looks to carry this momentum into another key conference matchup. Tipoff is set for 5:30 PM, with WHAC play continuing deep into the schedule as AQ pushes to secure a top-three finish and the opportunity to host in the conference tournament. Be sure to visit AQSaints.com for live stats, full coverage, and postgame recaps from around Aquinas Athletics.
