Redstorm builds big lead,cruises past Upike

Rio Grande Sports Information
     PIKEVILLE, Ky. - The University of Rio Grande built a 20-point lead after three quarters and went on to post an 83-73 triumph over the University of Pikeville, Saturday afternoon, in non-conference women's basketball action at UPike Gymnasium.
     The RedStorm, ranked No. 20 in the NAIA preseason coaches' Top 25 poll, won for the second time in as many outings.
     The host Bears saw their overall record fall to 1-1 with the loss.
     Rio Grande scored six of the game's first eight points, but UPike countered with a 13-5 run of its own to take a 15-11 advantage after a Katie Collopy three-pointer with 3:35 left in the opening stanza.
     The RedStorm quickly rebounded, though, and scored the final six points of the period to regain the lead.
     Head coach David Smalley's squad never trailed again.
     The cushion grew to 14 points before settling at 12 points by halftime and a 12-0 run to start the third quarter pushed the lead to 24 points.
     Rio's largest lead of the afternoon was 26 points, 60-34, following a basket by junior Lexi Woods (Waverly, OH) with 4:46 remaining in the third quarter and the edge stood at 20 points, 67-47, heading to the final period.
     The Bears got no closer than the game's final margin the rest of the way.
     Rio Grande placed a quartet of players in double figures, with senior Ella Skeens' (Chillicothe, OH) 18-point effort leading the way.
     Woods, junior Aleea Crites (Parkersburg, WV) and sophomore Kaylee Darnell (Wheelersburg, OH) all finished with 16 points, while sophomore Harlei Antritt (Newark, OH) pulled down 12 rebounds.
     The RedStorm shot 49.3 percent from the floor overall (33-for-67) and outrebounded their hosts, 47-37.
     Sierra Feltner and Allie Stone tossed in 19 points each for UPike, while Morgan Stamper totaled 13 points and 12 rebounds. Feltner also had four assists and Stamper had two steals.
     Rio Grande returns to action on Tuesday night at Rochester (Mi.) University, with tipoff slated for 6 p.m.