FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast women's basketball sailed to a 99-31 win over Ave Maria on Veterans Day at Alico Arena.

After grabbing 53 rebounds against Arkansas State, FGCU (2-1) brought down 50 against Ave Maria, marking the second time in program history and the first time in the Division I era that the Eagles had back-to-back 50 rebound games. The only other occurrence was in 2006, when FGCU had 62 rebounds against the District of Columbia and 53 against Rollins on Feb. 26 and March 10, respectively.

The Eagles exploded for the 68 point win over their nearby foe behind 18 points and 14 rebounds from Amelia Hobson, both of which were career highs for the Melbourne, Australia, native. Lily Zeinstra stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds, a career-high five steals and four assists; Eve Alexander (12 points) and Ari Turla (10 points) joined Hobson and Zeinstra in double-digits.

"This offense, it takes some time, especially when we have so many different pieces to our offense," Harmon said. "Making sure that we're hunting great shots instead of good shots. That's all me as the head coach not being satisfied. I'm elated that we scored 99 points and that we shot 36% from 3(-point range). I love that. I thought we did a great job – I challenged us to share the sugar and really assist tonight, and to come out of the game with 28 assists, I was really pleased with that." 

The result was quickly secured due to the Eagles' stingy defense, which held the Gyrenes to just five made field goals across the first three quarters. In total, Ave Maria finished shooting 18.9% from the field and 17.4% from 3-point range after shooting 12.2% from the field in the opening three periods, and not making a 3-pointer until the final quarter. FGCU led 18-4 after the first quarter and 72-16 at the end of the third. Zeinstra's five steals led all players, but seven Eagles recorded a steal and six had at least two takeaways, and Hobson had three of FGCU's seven blocks.

"I feel like, as a team, if we can come in and execute our defense, then I think we're pretty set," Hobson said. "But it starts with us knowing what we want to do on defense."

FGCU's forwards were efficient in the win, as Eve Alexander and Jalei Pillow combined to go 9-for-9 from the field. The 28 team assists – FGCU's best mark since racking up 34 against Fort Lauderdale last December – helped all ten Eagles to take the floor score. Nine Eagles recorded at least one rebound and at least one assist. Turla's ten points, two rebounds and two assists were all career highs for the freshman, as were Elle McCulloch's six points, five rebounds, three assists and one block.

The Eagles controlled the paint with 52 points to the Gyrenes' 8, and 57 of FGCU's 99 points came off the bench in the win. The Eagles' points off turnovers (39) and on fast breaks (32) helped build the early lead. Ashley Chilson led Ave Maria with seven points and three rebounds on a team-high 13 shot attempts.

Next, FGCU will conclude its three-game homestand with a pivotal Coastal Clash matchup against FAU (2-2) at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Season tickets, mini plans, and single-game tickets for FGCU women's basketball are on sale now. Tickets to see FGCU face Tennessee and either Houston or Creighton during Coconut Hoops at Alico Arena are also on sale now.

For more information on the Eagles, follow FGCU Women's Basketball on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook, and visit FGCUAthletics.com.
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