The Royals had no problems getting back into form after the Christmas break, as they returned from a two-week lay-off with a 93-40 win at Cairn. Eastern Mennonite shot a season-high 51% from the floor and never trailed the Highlanders.
After scoring just three points over the first three minutes, the women went on a 35-6 run to open up a 38-9 lead. EMU led 51-21 at halftime and only played their starting five less than five minutes in the second half.
The Royals controlled the game and connected on 39-of-76 shots for 51.3%. They were also 6-19 from three-point range and 9-16 from the free throw line. EMU held Cairn to just 26% shooting and had a massive 46-25 advantage in rebounding. The women also forced 32 turnovers, compared to just 16 of their own.
Shakeerah Sykes (Dumfries, VA/Forest Park) led the way off the bench with her first double double. The sophomore charted 13 points and 13 rebounds, with the rebound total being a career high. Steph Rheinheimer (Manheim, PA/Lancaster Mennonite) canned four triples and tallied 15 points.
Kala Yoders (Myerstown, PA/Eastern Lebanon County) and Jess Rheinheimer (Manheim, PA/Lancaster Mennonite) each finished with 12 points, while Yoders added nine boards. Keyla Baltimore (Bristow, VA/Brentsville District) had a game-high five assists. Alicia Ygarza (Conestoga, PA/Penn Manor) added four helpers.
The Eastern Mennonite women improve to 5-4 with the road win. They return to Yoder Arena for a date with St. Mary’s (MD) on Wednesday. Game time is 7:00pm.