SALEM, VA – The Eastern Mennonite University Royals defeated ODAC Women's Basketball defending champions Randolph-Macon College, 65-54 on Saturday afternoon to win the 2004 conference title. It marked the first time that an ODAC women's basketball coach won the title in their first season as head coach.

The Yellow Jackets led 37-29 at halftime, behind 48.5% shooting from the floor. Randolph-Macon limited the Royals to just 31% shooting and out-rebounded EMU 21-17 at the break. In what was a tale of two halves, Eastern Mennonite came out strong in the second stanza, shooting a blistering 52% from the floor and limited Randolph-Macon to just 17.9% shooting and a 1-for-4 performance from the charity stripe.

Eastern Mennonite was led by ODAC Tournament MVP Laura Ludholtz ( Mount Crawford , Va. / Fort Defiance ) who tallied a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds in 33 minutes of action. Carrie Grandstaff ( Luray , Va. / Mt. Carmel Christian) tallied a game-high 19 points en route to earning All-Tournament honors. Teammate Stephanie Mathews ( Woodstock , Va. /Central) was also named to the All-Tournament team as she poured in 10 points and pulled down eight caroms. Amanda Renalds ( Bridgewater , Va. /Turner Ashby) chipped in with 10 points for the Royals.

Randolph-Macon was led by Ashlee Henshaw ( Aroda , Va. / Madison County ) as she had a game-high 14 points and seven rebounds to earn All-Tournament honors. ODAC Player of the Year Megan Silva (Glen Allen, Va./Hermitage) tallied 13 points, six rebounds and dished out two assists to round out the All-Tournament team.

Eastern Mennonite (24-3) receives the automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championships. Randolph-Macon finishes its season 20-8 overall.