ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The Elmira College women's basketball team picked up its second win in as many games on Friday evening, as the Soaring Eagles dispatched the visiting Express of Wells College by a final score of 58-45.

The Purple and Gold produced a stellar defensive performance against Wells as they forced the Express into 25 turnovers, which resulted in 20 points for EC. Elmira dominated on the boards as well, holding a 45-34 edge in rebounding. Rachel Vespucci '19 set the tone for Elmira's offense as the senior forward posted her second double-double of the season with team-highs in both points (15) and rebounds (11). Lindsey Heaton '19 was one rebound shy of a double-double, posting 10 points and nine boards. Wells was led by Carley Ryan, who finished with a game-high 17 points.

The Soaring Eagles seized the lead midway through the first quarter, and never looked back, leading for the remaining 33:44 of the contest. Trailing 5-2 in the opening quarter, Heaton nailed a jumper that kicked off a 16-1 run by the Purple and Gold to close the period. Vespucci capped the onslaught with a smooth finish in the paint off of a feed from Lauren Franklin '20.

Wells came out of the half time break with renewed energy and jumped on the Purple and Gold with a 9-0 run over the first 2:20 of the third quarter, highlighted by a steal and score by Diamonne Harris that cut EC's lead to eight. Following a quick time out, Sarah Garner '20 dropped in an easy layup to halt the run. Despite the outburst by the Express, the Soaring Eagles held fast and never let Wells within eight points for the remainder of the contest.  A 15-point fourth quarter paved the way for EC to cruise to a 13-point victory.

In her own words...
Head coach Devin Shea on the team's performance in its second-straight win…
"Our defense fed our offense again tonight. We were able to make plays and execute and it was great to see everybody step up and get our second win in a row."
 
News and Notes

• EC outscored Wells in the paint, 32-26.
• Elmira pulled down 16 offensive rebounds compared to six from Wells.
• Heaton has reached double figures in scoring in all seven games this season.
• Vespucci has recorded double-digit rebounds in four contests.
• Freshman Taylor Albrecht '22 finished with a season-high six points.
• Franklin tallied a season-high 10 rebounds.
• Alyssa Waters '22 started her seventh-consecutive game and tallied a season-high three steals.
• Vespucci currently ranks third all-time in program history with 659 rebounds.

Up Next
Elmira is back in action at home on Saturday, December 8, when the Soaring Eagles welcome Pennsylvania College of Technology to Speidel Gymnasium. Tip-off against the Wildcats is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.