LYNCHBURG, Va. (EMU Athletics) – With winter weather on the horizon, the EMU Women’s Basketball team looked to get back in the win column with a road trip to Lynchburg on Friday night. Unfortunately, the search for their first ODAC win of the season continues as the Hornets got the better of the Royals, 68-55.

On the bright side, Jazmyn Taylor continued his recent run of good play, leading the Royals with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field. Jayda Jones, a senior from Goodview, Va., also tallied double figures with 10 points.

Audra Petty anchored Lynchburg’s winning effort, scoring 22 points on the night.

Records: EMU 5-12, 0-8 ODAC | Lynchburg 10-7, 3-5 ODAC

Highlights
First Quarter
Lexie Dingus got the scoring started with a two-point jumper 10 seconds into the game. However, the Hornets responded with a 9-0 scoring run to go up 9-2. Lynchburg led by as many as 12 in the opening period, but a Grace Burke three-pointer got EMU back within single digits at 19-10. Lynchburg tacked on a late free throw to take an early 20-10 lead to the second quarter.

Second Quarter
The Hornets grew their lead to start the second when Brooke Cason scored five unanswered points to make it Lynchburg 25, EMU 10. Kaylene Todd sank a jumper, and then the two teams exchanged three-pointers, with EMU’s deep ball coming from Jones. The two teams tied 13-13 in the second as Lynchburg took a 33-23 lead to their locker room.

Third Quarter
EMU came out strong to start the second half, scoring the first six points of the third to draw within four. Taylor swished a free throw, followed by a Jones three-pointer and a Taylor jumper. Petty put home a layup for the Hornets, but Dingus answered with a jumper of her own. Ultimately, the Royals got the better of a high-scoring third quarter to go to the fourth within single digits, 50-43.

Fourth Quarter
The Hornets scored five unanswered points to begin the fourth quarter. Taylor stopped the Lynchburg run with a layup, followed by another EMU layup from Lauren Townsend. The Royals closed to within seven when Burke sank a three-pointer with 2:02 remaining. However, the Hornets put the game away with a 6-0 run to secure the win.

Statistical Leaders
Scoring: Taylor (14)
Rebounds: Dingus, Todd (5)
Assists: Burke, Johnson (2)
Steals: Jones (2)

What’s Next
EMU Women’s Basketball will be back home in Yoder Arena this Wednesday, Jan. 28 for their second matchup of the season against Randolph Macon. Tip-off against the Yellow Jackets is slated for 7 p.m.

— EMU Athletics —