The Eastern Mennonite women held off Hollins on the road Tuesday night, getting a 75-68 win to push their winning streak to six games.
Hollins scored the first bucket of the game, but that was their only lead. Kala Yoders (Myerstown, PA/ELCO) helped the Royals break off a 12-12 tie by scoring seven points in a 12-0 run, giving the women a lead they would never relinquish.
Hollins made a push midway through the second, getting with two points two different times. But the Royals responded with a 13-1 run, pushing out to a 56-42 advantage.
EMU couldn’t put away their hosts, but made enough free throws in the closing minutes to keep them at bay. Hollins got within five at 73-68, but Marla Young (Fishersville, VA/Wilson Memorial) closed the door with a pair of free throws with seven seconds to go, providing the final, 75-68.
Yoders, Alisa Brown (Dumfries, VA/Forest Park) and Bianca Ygarza (Conestoga, PA/Penn Manor) made a living at the free throw line with each taking nine attempts. Yoders led EMU with a season high 22 points. Brown charted 12 points and five assists, while Ygarza came in with 18 points and five rebounds.
Keyla Baltimore (Bristow, VA/Brentsville District) set a new career high with eight assists.
Jasmine Greene (Hampton, VA/Tabb) led the way for Hollins with 27 points and 12 rebounds.
The Royals were out-rebounded 39-33, and gave up 16 offensive boards, but made for it by shooting 49% (23-47). The women were also 26-35 from the free throw line for 74%. Hollins shot 38%.
Eastern Mennonite improves to 12-1, with a pair of six-game winning streaks sandwiched around a Dec. 10 loss at Virginia Wesleyan. The Marlins and Guilford are now in a three-way tie with EMU atop the ODAC standings, each with a 9-1 league record.
The Royals begin a three-game home stand this weekend, hosting Washington and Lee on Saturday with game time at 3:00pm. The women will also host Bridgewater and Randolph next week.