ST. LOUIS, MO. -- The Lewis University women's basketball team won a tight race against conference opponent Maryville on Saturday (Feb. 15).

TEAM RECORDS
Lewis 21-2, 15-1 GLVC | Maryville 11-13, 9-7 GLVC
                    
LEWIS LEADERS vs. Maryville
Points: Taylor Gugliuzza (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West) (27), Ally Cesarini (La Grange, Ill./Lyons Township) (14)
Rebounds: Gabi Hoover (Mishawaka, Ind./La Lumiere) (10)
Assists: Jenna Badali (Oak Lawn, Ill./Mother McAuley) (5)
Steals: Four Tied (1)
Blocks: Badali (1)

Head Coach Keisha Newell on the win:
"Wow. what a testament to staying poised in the face of adversity. I'm proud of our team's grit and resilience." 

GAME SUMMARY
In another near 30 point game for Gugliuzza, she was the first to score in the contest with a three off of an assist from Cesarini. The Saints responded with a basket beyond the arc of their own. The front half of the quarter would continue to be close until the Flyers stepped on the gas in the final four minutes. 

With a three from Cesarini and two good free throws from Gugliuzza, the Flyers found themselves up by 4. Badali would throw four points on the board with free throws and a layup, with Gugliuzza wrapping up the quarter with another layup to make it a 22-15 game. 

After Maryville put up a few points to start the second, Gugliuzza once again led the scoring in the quarter with a made free throw. The quarter would go back and forth with the game being tied numerous times and there being a variety of lead changes. Kree Nunnally (Crystal Lake, Ill./Example Academy) would take the lead back for Lewis with a good layup only for Maryville to tie and take it back on their next possessions. A Yahaira Bueno (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) three pointer would return the lead to Lewis with Badali extending it with a jumper. Both squads would head into the locker room locked into a tight battle which would resume in the third quarter with a score of 38-37 Lewis. 

The third quarter for the Flyers was a dark spot on what would otherwise be considered a good win, being outscored 25-14. Badali had a good start to the quarter with four points and Cesarini offered some long range assistance but Maryville continued to score extending their already growing lead. Tara Gugliuzza (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West) made an appearance in the score book with a three and the only point scored after that was a layup by Bueno to take Lewis into the fourth quarter down with 62-52. 

A big shift in offense and defense allowed the Flyers to put themselves back in the game. Once again Gugliuzza, Taylor, began the scoring with a layup and two free throws. Cesarini on the fast break would land a layup to move the Flyers to only down by five. 

The Flyers continued to be efficient on the offensive end getting to the free throw line and gathering points with the clock stopped. With 26 seconds remaining in the quarter, the Flyers would look to Gugliuzza to tie the game with a layup and she did. The Saints would miss their buzzer beater attempt and the game would be sent to overtime.

The Saints would strike first in OT only to be met with a Cesarini layup in response. The Flyers would take the lead with a Hoover layup but two free throws for Maryville would tie the game at 75. Gugliuzza would once again work her way inside and put herself on the free throw line, she would make only one but that was all that was needed as Maryville once again missed their buzzer beater. 

UP NEXT
Lewis returns home to take on conference rival University of Indianapolis on February 20th, at 5:30 p.m. 

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