HARRISONBURG, Va.- With final exams and the fall semester in the rear view mirror, the EMU Women's Basketball team had one more test to pass before the holidays, hosting Lancaster Bible in Yoder Arena on Saturday. The Royals managed to make the grade, staving off a late Chargers rally to pick up the 61-54 victory.

Grace Burke had a brilliant day shooting the basketball, leading EMU with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Jeriyah Osborne followed closely behind with 12 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the floor despite playing fewer minutes than usual due to foul trouble. Anabelle Simmons tied her career high, scoring eight points for the second game in a row.

Rachel Nolt led a trio of Chargers in double figures, putting up 16 points in 34 minutes of play.

Records: EMU 5-6, 0-2 ODAC | Lancaster Bible 4-8, 2-0 United East

Highlights
First Quarter
Osborne got things started in a big way for the Royals, scoring the first six points of the game by herself, putting the home team out to a 6-0 lead at the 7:39 mark. Following a Lancaster Bible free throw, Jazmyn Taylor put home a driving layup to make it an 8-1 game. The Chargers got their first field goal of the game on an Emily Wilson three-pointer with 4:37 left in the period. Ultimately, the Royals held a 15-9 advantage after 10 minutes of play.

Second Quarter
The visiting Chargers drew within four with a layup 16 seconds into the period. EMU bounced back with a 7-0 scoring run over 1:35 of game action. Taylor sank a layup, followed by a deep two-pointer jumper by Lexie Dingus and an Emma Johnson three-pointer. The Chargers countered with four points of their own, but the Royals responded with another 7-0 rally. Johnson swished back-to-back free throws, Burke sank a three-pointer, and an Osborne added a floating jump shot to give EMU a 14-point lead, 29-15. The two teams traded a few more baskets, and the Royals went to the locker room with a 35-19 halftime lead.

Third Quarter
Lancaster Bible charged out of the locker room with an 8-0 scoring run over the first 1:33 of the second half. The Royals answered with an Osborne floater and a Simmons jumper to make it a 39-27 game. The two squads went back-and-forth the remainder of the quarter as the Royals were able to keep the Chargers an arm's length away to enter the final 10 minutes holding a 44-34 lead.
 
Fourth Quarter
Burke got the fourth quarter off to a good start for the home team with a free throw and a three-pointer to make it a 14-point lead. Lancaster Bible, however, took control with a 9-0 scoring run, capped off by an Isabella Eufemia three-pointer with bring the Chargers to within five at 48-43. Osborne stopped Lancaster Bible's rally with a floater in the paint by Osborne, but the Chargers answered with a Wilson three-pointer to close it to a four-point game with 4:29 remaining. A few moments later, Burke got those three points right back with a deep shot of her own, making the score 53-46 in favor of EMU. The Chargers could not get any closer than five points the rest of the way as Lauren Townsend made four straight free throws in the final minute to seal the win for the Royals.

Statistical Leaders
Scoring: Burke (15)
Rebounds: Simmons (7)
Assists: Townsend (4)
Steals: Osborne (4)
Blocks: Four players tied with 1

What's Next
EMU Women's Basketball's players and coaches will now head their separate ways for the winter break. The Royals return to the court on Wednesday, Jan. 7 when they host ODAC rival Hollins. Tip-off from Yoder Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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