LEBANON, Ill. -- The Lewis University women's basketball team was victorious on the road Thursday night (Feb. 13) beating Conference opponent Mckendree in close fashion. 

TEAM RECORDS
Lewis 20-2, 14-1 GLVC | McKendree 12-9, 8-7 GLVC
                    
LEWIS LEADERS vs. McKendree
Points: Taylor Gugliuzza (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West) (19), Cierra McNamee (Moline, Ill./Illinois Central College) (12)
Rebounds: Ally Cesarini (La Grange, Ill./Lyons Township) (7)
Assists: Jenna Badali (Oak Lawn, Ill./Mother McAuley) (8)
Steals: Five Tied (1)
Blocks: Gabi Hoover (Mishawaka, Ind./La Lumiere) (3)

GAME SUMMARY
Thursday's game got off to a slow start with the Bearcats taking the first lead only for the Flyers to score their first basket three minutes into the game with a layup from McNamee. Gugliuzza with a layup and the foul would add three more points to the board only for both teams to go on a dry run, eventually broken up by Kree Nunnally (Crystal Lake, Ill./Example Academy). Another long drive without scoring would be ended by Gugliuzza and McNamee both scoring layups to give the Flyers a 11-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

Yahaira Bueno (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) lead off the second quarter with a quick three, which was the highlight of the quarter for the Flyers as McKendree would outscore them 16-8. Nunnally would add another layup to the board and the last point in the second quarter for the Flyers would be a Jasmine Jones (Bolingbrook, IL/Bolingbrook) three to make it a 22-19 game heading into half. 
 
The third quarter saw the Flyers return to the standard of offense they have set for themselves this season. McNamee with a layup and Gugliuzza with a three on the next possession brought the game to within two. McNamee and Cesarini would help the Flyers go back and forth with the Bearcats.

Hoover would splash a three to give Lewis a two point lead before the halfway point of the third. The Bearcats would tie the game again only for Gugliuzza to give the lead back to Lewis with a layup. Another three by Bueno would sum up the scoring for the Flyers in the third with two layups giving the lead back to McKendree 37-36.

An explosive fourth quarter would give Lewis the final push they needed. A three from Gugliuzza and layup by Cesarini would regain the Flyers the lead only for McKendree to tie it again on the next possession. Hoover would hit a three inside the first three minutes to give Lewis the lead again. McNamee and Gugliuzza hit two big jumpers from the paint to give Lewis a nice boost in the final three minutes. 

The close game turned into a game of free throws in which Lewis walked away as the winners. Gugliuzza, McNamee and Badali would shoot six straight giving the Flyers the 56-51 victory. 

UP NEXT
Lewis will be back in action Saturday, February 15 as the Flyers travel to Maryville to take on the Saints starting at 1 p.m. CT.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Be sure to join us Wednesday, March 26 as we induct our newest inductees of the Athletics Hall of Fame at the Flyer Red Dinner at Bolingbrook Golf Club starting at 6 p.m. CT. Purchase tickets at https://lewisflyers.com/2025FlyerRedDinner

50 YEARS OF WOMEN'S ATHLETICS
Lewis University is also organizing several alumni and family events throughout the women's athletic seasons to commemorate this historic milestone. These special gatherings will provide an opportunity for former athletes, families, and supporters to reconnect and celebrate the achievements of women's sports at Lewis. The scheduled events include:

• Women's Tennis Alumni/Family Event – April 19
• Women's Lacrosse Alumni/Family Event – April 25
• Women's Softball Alumni/Family Event – April 26
• Women's Track Alumni Day – May 3

FLYERS ANNUAL FUND
Support the Flyers by making a gift to the Flyers Athletics Fund at https://lewisflyers.com/202425AnnualFund