NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - With impressive performances from tenured players and new faces, the Eastern Mennonite women's basketball team kicked off their 2021-22 campaign with a bang, decisively defeating the Apprentice School by a final tally of 76-44.

Highlights

• The first few minutes of the first period were a tightly contested battle between the two squads, playing harsh defense to stay within small margin of one another. A Constance Komara jumpshot pushed the score to 13-9 with a minute left to play. A made free throw from the Builders pushed the score to its tally at the end of the first period, 13-10.
• A quick 8-0 run started by a Komara three at the start of the second period gave the Royals some cushion, 21-10. 
• After the Builders managed to get a few on the board, the Royals began their decisive run in the game. A 25-0 run between the end of the second and the beginning of the third period gave the Royals space between the Builders. At the end of the run, the Royals were standing atop the scoreboard, 47-15. 
• In the second period, the Royals outscored the Builders by a wide margin of 24-3.
• First-year Mya Hamlet took over in the fourth period, notching eleven points to keep the spacing between the two teams. With keeping pressure on both ends of the floor until the final buzzer, the Royals got back on the bus with the win, 76-44.

By The Numbers

• 2 - Two different Royals each had double-doubles in the game: Brii Redfearn and Mya Hamlet. Redfearn had 19 points and 13 rebounds, with Hamlet collecting 14 points and 11 rebounds. This is the first time since 2017 that the team has had two players with double-doubles in the same contest, the last being a seven-point win over Randolph. 
• Constance Komara led the scoring for the Royals with 23 points. 
• 4 - Lauren Clapp had four assists in the game. 

What's Next

The Royals are in Yoder Arena for their next matchup, hosting Mary Baldwin in a non-conference matchup, looking to jump to 2-0 on the young season. 

Quote From Head Coach Jenny Posey: 

"Today was a complete team effort win. If we were going to highlight one player, it would have to be Constance Komara. It was so joyful to see a player who has been extremely dedicated to our program for four years lead the charge for us in the victory today."