November 22, 2009

RedStorm salvage weekend with a win over Harris-Stowe

McKenzie, Tn. --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm women's basketball team snapped a two-game losing skid with a win over Harris-Stowe on Saturday at the Roy Baker Classic at Bethel University. Rio salvaged the weekend with a convincing 77-56 win.

Rio Grande (4-2) started well and maintained the lead throughout en route to the comfortable margin of victory. Rio used a hot shooting first half to take a 45-34 lead to halftime.

The RedStorm shot 51.9 percent (14-of-27) from the field, which included 5-of-11 from long range. The difference in the first half came at the free throw line with the RedStorm going a perfect 12-for-12.

Harris-Stowe shot well in the first half of play also, connecting on 51.7 percent (15-of-29) from the field, including 4-of-7 (57.1 percent) from three-point land, but Harris-Stowe did not take a single free throw in the first half.

Rio didn't shoot as well in the second half, but defensively they put the clamps on the Harris-Stowe offense holding them to 9-of-32 (28.1 percent) from the field, which resulted in a mere 22 points. 

Junior forward Leah Kendro (Strongsville, OH) paced the RedStorm with 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field. She was the only player to score in double figures for Rio Grande. Junior guard Jenna Smith (Bellefontaine, OH) was on the verge of double figures with nine points.

Rio had 10 players wind up in the scoring column.

Junior center Ashley Saunders (Amanda, OH) tossed in seven points and pulled down, a career-high, 17 rebounds. She also had five assists. Thanks to Saunders exploits on the glass, Rio Grande dominated the rebounding numbers, 40-25. Junior guard Bre Davis (Marietta, OH) led Rio in the assist category with seven. 

Gwendelyn Ellis led Harris-Stowe with 20 points off the bench. She was only player for Harris-Stowe to score in double figures.  

Rio Grande will continue its current road swing with a trip to Wilbeforce on Tuesday night. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. Stretch Internet will provide play-by-play coverage beginning at 5:50 p.m.

Rio Grande defeated Wilberforce at the Newt Oliver Arena, 95-71 on November 10.