STAUNTON, VA --- EMU's women scored the first 20 points in a 106-45 romp at Mary Baldwin in a New Year's Eve matinee. The Royals were never threatened after the big start of Thursday afternoon's game, as they end 2015 with a record of 8-2.
Eastern Mennonite carries a five-game winning streak after finishing off the non-conference portion of their schedule. The Royals return home next Tuesday to host rival Bridgewater College in Yoder Arena. Game time will be 7:00pm.
Jess Rheinheimer (Manheim, Pa./Lancaster Mennonite) scored the first points against Mary Baldwin (0-9) after an offensive rebound. The women then held the Fighting Squirrels scoreless over the opening 5:48 of play, exploding to a 20-0 lead.
EMU led 32-8 after the first period, and proceeded to score at least 24 points in each frame. This is the third straight year the women have scored at least 100 points in a game, and the fifth time in the past six seasons.
The Royals out-shot their hosts, 52% to 27%, and dominated the boards, 60-30. EMU also had 21 offensive rebounds and 17 steals.
Rheinheimer dumped in 14 points during the first period and played sparingly the rest of the way as she racked up a game high 21. Sa'Mone Moore (Covington, Va./Covington) scored 12 and Shaneyea Conwell (Newport News, Va./Warwick) added 11.
Precious Waddy (Richmond, Va./Henrico) hit all three of her triples and was good for 11 points and four assists off the bench. Jourdyn Friend (Richmond, Va./Meadowbrook) was extremely active as she recorded her first double double, notching 10 points, 10 rebounds and four steals in just 16 minutes. Senior Shannan Thompson (Glen Allen, Va./Hermitage) had nine offensive boards and finished with a career high 13 rebounds.
Kaybria Johnson needed 19 shots to lead Mary Baldwin with 19 points. Teanna Peavy added 11.