WEST PALM BEACH, Fl..—The Seahawks women's basketball team defeated Ave Maria 69-66 on Tuesday evening. Northwood goes to 4-11 overall and 3-3 in Sun Conference play.

Northwood came out fast jumping out to an early 7-0 lead behind four points by Emily May. Ave Maria came back getting to within 10-9 but the Seahawks used a 9-0 run extending to a 19-9 advantage with 10:06 to go. During the stretch, Dana Gildea hit a pair a threes and Hannah Del Negro also had one. The Gyrenes got to within a possession on three occasions down the stretch, before tying it at 30-30 heading into the intermission.

The Seahawks used a 7-1 run to start the half pushing their lead out to 37-31 with 17:29 left in the game. Ave Maria trimmed it to 39-37 but a 6-0 answer gave Northwood a 43-37 advantage at the 12:22 mark. The Gyreenes tied the game at 50-50 with 7:30 left, however the Seahawks went on a 7-0 run regaining a 57-50 lead with 5:03 showing on the clock.

Ave Maria took their first lead of the game at 58-57 at the 3:07 mark setting up an exciting final three minutes. Again Northwood answered pushing out to a 64-61 margin with 1:05 to go but the Gyreenes got to within 67-64 with 17 seconds left and 67-66 with three seconds left.  Clutch free throws by Del Negro however, extended the lead to 69-66 and held on for the victory.

Del Negro led the way with 17 points off the bench with five baskets from beyond the arc. Gildea chipped in 17 points, while Granada had 16 and May with 13 points. May led the way in rebounds with 11 and Granada had seven assists.

Northwood hits the road for their next game when they travel to Thomas on Thursday evening. The game is set for 5:00 p.m.