HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Eastern Mennonite University women's basketball opened its season with 77-56 victory over visiting Shenandoah in the nightcap of the Loyal Royal Tip-Off Classic. New head coach Richard McElwee picked up his first collegiate win.

EMU (1-0) jumped out to a huge lead as the Lady Royals scored eight unanswered points. Shenandoah (0-1) would not convert a field goal until five minutes into the game as Dee Fisher connected on a three-pointer. The only problem is that EMU was ahead 16-2 before the Hornets first bucket. The Lady Royals hit seven of the first eight shots and ran away from the Hornets in the first half. EMU would lead 40-28 at the break.

In the second half, the Lady Royals extended their lead to 33 points before the rim became unkind. EMU converted two of their last 15 shots in the last 11 minutes. Despite the cold shooting, EMU managed to carry themselves to victory.

Carrie Grandstaff (Luray, Va./Mt. Carmel Christian) led EMU with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Grandstaff was perfect from the charity stripe. Stephanie Mathews (Woodstock, Va./Central) recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Regina Sours (Luray, Va./Mt. Carmel Christian) missed a double-double but scored a career-high 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Amanda Renalds (Bridgewater, Va./Turner Ashby) rounded out double figure scorers with ten points.

Three Shenandoah players recorded double figures. Alicia Sanders and Joia Davis each scored 11 points. Katie Woods scored ten points.

On Saturday, November 22 it will be Shenandoah taking on Meredith at 2:00 p.m. followed by Eastern Mennonite hosting LaRoche at 4:00 p.m.