Hot shooting pushes EMU women’s hoops past Hollins

The EMU basketball women rebounded well from their tough loss at Randolph-Macon earlier in the week, setting a program record as they connected on 18 three pointers en route to an 89-63 drubbing of Hollins Saturday afternoon at home.  The Royals took over early and led by as many as 30 points as they improve to 11-3 overall and 4-2 in the ODAC.

Eastern Mennonite stays at home for their next game, hosting Washington and Lee Tuesday night at 7:00pm in Yoder Arena.  The two teams are in a three-way tie with Emory & Henry for third in the league standings.

EMU scored first against Hollins before their visitors skirted to a 5-2 lead.  Jess Rheinheimer (Manheim, Pa./Lancaster Mennonite) nailed a triple and the Royals caught fire.  Myneshia Walker (Freeman, Va./Brunswick) hit back-to-back threes, and the women drilled seven triples in a 21-5 run.  They led 23-10 just six minutes into play.

The Royals then ended the first period on an 8-0 run, including the eighth and ninth three pointers of the frame, to lead 31-13 after 10 minutes.

Sa’Mone Moore (Covington, Va./Covington) hit a three pointer to open the second, as the women scored 30 of their first 34 points from three point range.

The offense never let up from there.  Only four times all game did Hollins manage to a run of any length as the Royals rolled to the 26-point win.

Eastern Mennonite shot 18-for-39 from downtown, blowing by the EMU records for both three point makes and attempts in a game.  The previous mark for made triples was 14, set against Shenandoah in the 2000-01 season.  Three times a women’s team has attempted 33 three pointers.  The ODAC record for three point field goals in a game is 20, set by Emory & Henry against EMU during the 2001-02 season.

Walker led the aerial attack by hitting 5-of-9 from outside for 17 points to go with five assists.  Moore, Rheinheimer and Lindsey Krisak (Alexandria, Va./Edison) each hit four treys.  Rheinheimer had a team-high eight rebounds, while Moore added six as EMU had a 49-37 rebounding advantage.

Alicia Ygarza (Conestoga, Pa./Penn Manor) had eight assists, seven boards and three steals.

The Royals ended with a 43% to 36% shooting advantage.

Jewellanna Parfitt led Hollins (3-10/0-6 ODAC) with 17 points and 11 rebounds.  Nikki Valencia scored 14 with five assists.