BABSON PARK, Fla. – The William Carey Women's Basketball Team pulled away late defeating Ave Maria University 75-66 Thursday morning in the SSAC/SUN Challenge.
 
Things went back and forth to start the game.  With Carey leading 9-8 with just over three minutes left in the first quarter, a layup by Kolten Blakeney sparked a 9-3 run to close the quarter, giving the Lady Crusaders a seven point lead heading into the second quarter.
 
Carey stayed hot to open the second quarter stretching their lead to 28-16 with six minutes left.  Over the final minutes of the quarter, WCU would maintain a double lead until the Gyrenes went on an 8-2 run to cut the deficit to 35-30 heading into break.
 
Coming out of the break AMU got things going quickly, taking the lead 38-37 with another 8-2 run over the first three minutes of the third quarter.  From there things remained close with Carey taking a 51-49 lead into the final quarter of play.
 
The fourth started off the same as the first quarter.  With Carey holding a slim 53-52 lead with eight minutes to play. A three point basket by Mckalea Randall sparked a 13-1 run and they never looked backed leading by as many 16 points on their way to victory.
 
Kolten Blakeney led the offense finishing with 23 points and 12 rebounds with Shaneal Corpuz adding 16 points and eight rebounds.  Lauren Rowley finished with 12 points with Rose Warren finishing with 10 points. 
 
WCU is back in action tomorrow, as they wrap up play in SSAC/SUN Challenge against St. Thomas University.  Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 am.