HARRISONBURG, VA --- A hot start was enough for the EMU women Saturday afternoon, as they got by ODAC opponent Emory & Henry 90-69 in Yoder Arena.  The Royals exploded to a 23-2 lead out of the gates and never let the lead below double digits to improve to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the conference.

Eastern Mennonite scored on their first three possessions to go ahead 7-0, and then added a 16-0 run to surge ahead 23-2 on a Shakeerah Sykes (Dumfries, Va./Forest Park) three-point play just 7:37 into the game.  The Wasps settled down at that point and fought relatively evenly into the break, where EMU led 47-27.

But the visitors came alive in the second half, repeatedly getting to within 13 points.  A three pointer with 8:16 to go had the Wasps within fighting distance at 68-55.  The Royals scored their next 11 points on either layups or free throws, as they powered the cushion back up to 20 at 79-59 with 4:29 remaining.  That landed the knockout blow, as the women rolled to the 21-point win.

Despite Emory & Henry hitting 6-of-12 three pointers, the Royals out-shot their visitors 48% to 37%.  EMU also made a big difference by getting to the free throw line and hitting 27-38 for 71%.  EHC was 17-27 for 63%.  Eastern Mennonite had a 46-32 rebounding advantage, including 16-11 on the offensive glass. 

Keyla Baltimore (Bristow, Va./Brentsville District) had her best game of the season, with a game high 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists.  Sykes was good for 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench.  Jess Rheinheimer (Manheim, Pa./Lancaster Mennonite) had 14 points and seven rebounds.

Bianca Ygarza (Conestoga, Pa./Penn Manor) struggled with early foul trouble, but came in with 10 points and tied her career high with six assists.  Becky Barrett (Damascus, Md./Damascus) topped all players with a career best 10 rebounds.

Karina Farr and Kristie Langley co-led the Wasps with 13 points apiece.

Next up for the Royals is a home date with resurgent Randolph College on Tuesday night.  The WildCats are currently 5-0 as they head into Sunday's big non-conference game at No. 11 Christopher Newport.