TRIO OF DOUBLE-DOUBLES PROPEL WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TO 74-38 TRIUMPH

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RADFORD, Va. – Behind three double-doubles, Radford downed Emory & Henry, 74-38, in nonconference women's basketball action Saturday night inside the Dedmon Center.

Radford won its season opener for the third time in the past four seasons, while Emory & Henry played the game as an exhibition, therefore not counting against its record. Of the nine Highlanders who played tonight, four were making their collegiate debuts.

"Tonight was a good start," head coach Mike McGuire commented. "It's a good feeling to win the home opener in front of a good crowd. We really appreciate the support of our fans tonight. We had some bright spots highlighted by three double-doubles. We'll enjoy this win tonight, but we have to quickly begin our preparation for Lynchburg on Tuesday night."

Ayana Avery paced the offense by tying her career high of 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting. Of those seven makes, six were from downtown. In addition to her scoring output, the junior hauled in a career-high 11 rebounds.

Rachael Ross notched a double-double with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, to accompany her 10 rebounds. Kermisha Clark connected on 5-of-10 from the floor en route to 11 points and a game-high 10 assists. Radford had more than one player produce a double-double for the first time since 2010.

Overall, RU knocked down 27-of-53 for a 50.9 percent clip. The second half was even better, as the Highlanders torched the nets by shooting 60.9 percent. In addition to holding the Wasps to 19.4 percent shooting, Radford outrebounded its opponent, 51-35.

Anna Green's eight points led the way for Emory & Henry. Karina Farr chipped in seven points and a team-best nine rebounds.

Only leading 5-2 at the first media timeout, the Highlanders broke out of their offensive slump when Avery drilled her first 3-pointer of the game to ignite a 10-3 run that catapulted RU in front, 15-5, at the 9:29 mark. After back-to-back buckets by the Wasps to cut Radford's lead to six, the hosts answered once more to push their margin to as many as 23 before heading into break with a 36-15 advantage.

A 16-4 surge by the Highlanders out of halftime extended their lead to 52-19 with 13:59 to go in the game. Radford cruised from there en route to a successful debut for its first-year head coach.

The Highlanders face their second straight Old Dominion Athletic Conference foe when Lynchburg College invades the Dedmon Center for Tuesday's 7 p.m. tilt. The game will mark the final time Radford plays at home until Dec. 16 against Appalachian State.

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