AVE MARIA, Fla. – New College women's basketball falls to 0-1 following defeat at Ave Maria.

Both Mighty Banyan basketball squads will start their conference seasons 0-1 after traveling to Ave Maria for both teams' conference openers.

New College women's basketball got the day going with a hot start in the first quarter. The Banyans jumped out to an early lead and carried their momentum for the entire period, leading 18-11 at the end of the quarter.
Ave Maria responded with an impressive 28 points in the second quarter, ramping up their play on both sides of the ball to retake the lead.

The New College offense staggered in the second quarter. The Banyans converted only 3 of the 12 second-quarter attempts for 8 points. Sierra Moore and Gwen Tsoukalas were the only Banyans to score in the quarter, causing the Banyans to enter the half down 39-26.

The Gyrene offense continued their impressive pace in the second half. The Gyrenes outscored the Banyans 37-25 in the second period.

The Banyans shot just 35% from the floor in the second half, as they could not capitalize on the Gyrene defense.

Ave Maria ultimately secured a 76-51 victory.

Sierra Moore was impressive for New College. The junior scored a team-leading 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Halle Shelt and Gwen Tsoukalas also scored in double-figures, tallying 14 points and 10 points respectively.