BRUNSWICK, Ga. – Coastal Georgia improved to 5–2 on Saturday afternoon, edging Ave Maria 77–74 in a tightly contested matchup highlighted by balanced scoring and a high-energy defensive performance from the Mariners' rotation.

Coastal Georgia showcased its depth and versatility with four players reaching double figures, led by an impressive outing from Abby Shepard, who delivered 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Shepard knocked down four three-pointers, providing consistent spacing on the perimeter, and her three steals proved crucial in a game where takeaways played a defining role.

The backcourt duo of Shepard and Paris Miller set the tone early and often. Miller added 14 points, attacking the rim off the dribble and earning trips to the free throw line, where she went 4-for-6. She also contributed five rebounds, four assists, and a block, offering a steady all-around effort that helped fuel the Mariners during momentum swings.

Niya Moon contributed 11 points, including three made threes, capitalizing on her ability to create separation and knock down timely perimeter shots. Her defensive activity added two steals, helping Coastal maintain pressure throughout the contest.

Taylor Blackshear delivered one of the most impactful statistical lines of the day, finishing with 10 points, six steals, and five rebounds. Her defensive instincts were central to the Mariners generating 29 points off turnovers, a key difference-maker in a game where each possession carried extra weight.

Off the bench, Coastal Georgia received meaningful production from several contributors.

• Maylei Noreika knocked down two threes and finished with six points, adding two assists and a steal.

• Alli Stone also scored six points, providing a spark during the third quarter where the Mariners outscored Ave Maria 19–15 and built their largest lead.

• Amanda Roach added four points, while Kyla Raven, Hadiya Kennerly, and others supplied valuable defensive minutes and rebounding support.

As a team, the Mariners shot 10-for-39 from three-point range, converting from long distance when they needed it most. They also made 11-of-14 free throws, good for 78.6 percent, another factor that helped them close out the game in the final minutes. Coastal Georgia grabbed 25 rebounds, with the guards combining for a notable share of those boards.

Coastal maintained composure down the stretch, with Miller hitting a key jumper in the final minute and the Mariners calmly finishing at the line to secure the home win.

Coastal Georgia will look to keep its momentum rolling when they get back to action next week!