1/4/24 Fulton, MO – In a thrilling home victory, the Westminster women's basketball team overcame a late-game deficit to secure a 54-49 win over Webster University on Saturday. The Blue Jays showcased resilience and determination, outscoring the Gorloks 22-9 in the fourth quarter to improve their conference record to 3-1 on the season. 

The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams tied at 13 after the first quarter. Westminster trailed 24-22 at halftime as turnovers and missed opportunities allowed Webster to maintain a slight edge. The third quarter saw Webster extend its lead to 40-32, fueled by second-chance points and tough defense. However, the Blue Jays came alive in the final frame. Behind the dynamic scoring of Annette Ramirez and a dominant rebounding performance by Avylina Powell-Qualo, Westminster surged ahead in the closing minutes, sealing the victory with clutch free throws and timely stops. 

Ramirez delivered a stellar performance, scoring a game-high 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including 3 three-pointers. She also grabbed six rebounds and went a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Powell-Qualo recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint on both ends of the court. Olivia Hixson contributed 7 points and 2 assists while maintaining composure during the intense fourth quarter. The Blue Jays collectively outrebounded Webster, with Gizelle Carreto and Aly Bullock combining for 16 rebounds. 

The Blue Jays will enjoy a brief break before returning to action on January 8, 2025. They'll host Greenville University at 5:30 PM in a conference matchup that promises to be another exciting challenge.