THOMASVILLE, Ga. – While conference play does not fully arrive until Jan. 7, the Thomas University women's basketball team will play its first Sun Conference game more than one month ahead of that date, when the team welcomes the 5-1 (RV) Ave Maria Lady Gyrenes to Thomasville on Dec. 5.
 
The Lady Night Hawks, despite holding a respectable 4-4 record, have struggled some in the season's early-going, as the team has often trailed by wide margins before battling back late in games.  The most recent example of this was on Dec. 2 versus Middle Georgia State, when TU trailed by eight with just three minutes to go before going on a quick 10-0 run to take a late lead.  While that game resulted in a loss, the fact that Coretta Brown's team can flip a switch and outplay the opposition is an encouraging sign. 
 
The team will hope to flip that switch at tipoff and put forth a complete, 40-minute effort against Ave Maria, as the Lady Gyrenes will be one of the most talented teams TU has faced to date.  Bob Batson's team is currently receiving votes in the national polls, and the team is also battle-tested, having completed three exhibition games versus the likes of Embry-Riddle, Flagler College and Lynn University.
 
The Lady Gyrenes' leading scorer from last season, Annie Artise, is back for another season, and she is already posting impressive numbers as her 15.2 points per game average is a major reason for Ave Maria's early success.  Last season, Artise averaged just over 14 points and seven boards per game en route to eclipsing the 1,000-point total for her career.  She was named to the All-Conference team for the third time at the conclusion of the season.
 
While Artise continues to lead the team, Ave Maria's scoring has been fairly balanced to date.  Lauren Gillingham is averaging 14.3 points per game, less than a point behind Artise, and Lindsey Taylor, Jasmine Bateman and Yvanessa Vincent are chipping in 12.5, nine and seven points per game, respectively.
 
While the Lady Gyrenes boast a potent and evenly-distributed scoring attack, the Lady Night Hawks seem to be up to the challenge on the defensive end of the floor.  TU continues to outrebound its opponents by a wide margin and force difficult, contested shots.  In Thomas' last three contests, the team is surrendering just 53.7 points per game.
 
Points figure to be at a premium on Dec. 5 for the Lady Night Hawks' conference opener.  Tipoff versus Ave Maria is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at TU Gymnasium.
 
For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of your TU women's basketball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksWBKB.