A strong end to the first half gave the Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) women control as they ran away with an 84-57 decision at Hollins Saturday afternoon in Roanoke. The Royals improve to 10-2 with the win, including 4-0 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, as they remain the only unbeaten team in the conference.
The two teams went back and forth with each other for most of the first, with Hollins still holding a 24-22 lead with 4:30 to go in the frame. Eastern Mennonite then owned the final minutes of the half, forcing four turnovers during the span and closing on a 14-2 tear. With a 36-26 lead at the break, the Royals were ready to roll in the second.
EMU scored the first seven points after halftime to build up a 43-26 cushion and they never looked back. The closest they let Hollins the rest of the way was 14 points as the Royals out-scored their hosts 48-31 over the final 20 minutes.
Although shooting percentages were fairly close, Eastern Mennonite won the game on the glass and with defense. The women had 20 offensive rebounds and a 48-37 domination of the boards. They also picked out 13 steals and forced 22 Hollins turnovers for a +11 turnover margin.
Jess Rheinheimer (Manheim, Pa./Lancaster Mennonite) led the charge with 23 points, seven rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists. Shakeerah Sykes (Dumfries, Va./Forest Park) racked up her fifth double double of the year with 14 points, 14 rebounds and three steals.
Marla zumFelde (Goshen, Ind./Bethany Christian) hit four triples and finished with 12 points. Alisa Brown(Dumfries, Va./Forest Park) had eight points, five assists and three steals. Alicia Ygarza (Conestoga, Pa./Penn Manor) did all the little things and came up with nine rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Jewellanna Parfitt and Britney Campbell each scored 17 for Hollins.
The Royals come back home to host Washington and Lee Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in Yoder Arena. The surprising Generals are also 10-2 overall with a 3-1 ODAC record.