The No. 5 ranked Ashland University women’s basketball team are used to starting fast.

AU used a strong first quarter and swarming defense to earn a 68-54 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Quarterfinal victory over Northern Michigan (13-16) Tuesday night at Kates Gymnasium.

With the win, AU (28-1) secured home court advantage throughout the rest of the conference tournament.

“It’s hard to do (earning home court for the conference tournament),” said AU head coach Robyn Fralick. “It’s a reflection of a course of work over an entire season. It’s a privilege. We’re excited that the tournament gets to come here.”

The Eagles opened the game scoring seven unanswered points forcing the Wildcats (13-16) to call a quick timeout. AU continued to build upon its fast start and ended the first quarter ahead, 26-8.

“Our first quarter was excellent,” said Fralick. “A ton of energy. Very productive.”

Ashland forced seven turnovers in the first period, turning them into nine points. AU scored 20 points off 18 Wildcat turnovers in the game.

“That’s something we really pride ourselves on,” said Fralick. “Being able to cause turnovers and turn defense into offense.”

AU and Northern Michigan traded baskets for much of the second quarter, and Ashland headed into the locker room leading, 44-24.

Ball movement was a theme in the first half for Ashland, as they assisted on 17 of 18 made shots. For the game, AU assisted on 25 of 27 made shots.

The third quarter did not feature much scoring from either team. The teams combined for 20 points, and Ashland headed into the final period ahead, 54-34.

The Wildcats used a 9-2 run midway through the fourth quarter to try and get back into the game, bringing them to within 13 points of AU at the 3:46 mark. Ashland then called a timeout, stopping the Wildcats’ momentum. Following the timeout, the teams traded baskets for the remainder of the game.

Defensively, the Eagles held Northern Michigan to 44.4-percent shooting in the game, and also had 11 steals.

Laina Snyder had seven of the 11 steals. She added 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists.

Alex Henning chipped in 12 points. Henning also made a long, buzzer-beating shot as time expired at the end of the first quarter.

Julie Worley added 11 points and four rebounds. Peare contributed eight points, four rebounds and four assists. Jamie Sobczak chipped in eight points, two rebounds and two assists. While Andi Daugherty added five points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Next for the Eagles is a GLIAC Tournament Semifinal matchup versus Walsh University at Kates Gymnasium on Saturday. Tipoff time is still to be determined.