January 16, 2010

RedStorm women move to 2-0 in MSC play

Montgomery, WV --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm women's basketball team played their first road in Mid-South Conference play on Saturday afternoon at the Baisi Center and came away with a 74-61 victory to move to 2-0 in conference play.

Rio Grande (11-7, 2-0 MSC) gained control of the game jumping out to a 29-19 lead. The RedStorm then went on a 15-3 run to close out the first half and take a 44-22 advantage to the locker room.

Rio Grande appeared to have the game well in hand at 57-26 midway through the second half when WVU Tech (9-8, 0-2 MSC) went on a 19-2 run, keyed by the long range shooting of Amber Tully. Tully, a freshman, had scored only 26 points on the season but erupted for 19 second half points, including five three-pointers to get the Golden Bears back to within striking distance at 70-61. 

Rio had three players score in double figures led by junior guard Jenna Smith (Bellefontaine, OH) with 16 points (12 in the first half). She also pulled down six rebounds. Junior forward Leah Kendro (Strongsville, OH) added 15 points (13 in the first half) and topped Rio Grande with eight rebounds. Junior point guard Bre Davis (Marietta, OH) chipped in 13 points and dished out six assists. 

WVU Tech was led Tully with those 19 points. Kerin Roche added 11 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Rio's defense keyed on the Golden Bears two top scorers, Shyla Jones and Style Harper and did a great job holding them in check. Jones scored only nine points but managed to collect 11 boards while Harper chipped in only six points but dished out 10 assists. 

After WVU Tech cut the deficit to 70-61, Rio salted the game away going 4-for-4 at the free throw line to secure the win.

Rio Grande will return home next Thursday (January 21) to host St. Catharine's College at the Newt Oliver Arena. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. Rio and SCC have only one time previously and the RedStorm scored a 56-51 win last season.

Stretch Internet will provide play-by-play coverage beginning at 5:50 p.m.