WINCHESTER, Va. – Despite an early lead, women's hoops was unable to take the victory against the Hornets, as both Randolph-Macon and Shenandoah now sit at 4-1 in conference play.
The Basics:
Score: #22 Shenandoah 67, Randolph-Macon 42
Venue: Winchester, Va. // James Wilkins Athletics Center // Shenandoah University
Records: Randolph-Macon (10-4, 4-1 ODAC), #22 Shenandoah (12-2, 4-1 ODAC)
How it Happened
- On the first possession of the game, McKenzie Matheny (Fairfax Station, Va./West Springfield) got her team on the board after collecting her own offensive rebound and scoring, thanks to an assist from Sam Smith (Chesterfield, Va./St. Gertrudes). While Smith found Emion Byers (Louisa County, Va./Louisa) for another layup to put RMC up 4-0, Shenandoah went on a 10-0 run to take the lead with 5:28 left in the quarter. Despite a midrange jumper from Smith, the Hornets extended their lead to 17-6 with 2:58 to go in the first frame. In the closing minutes before the second, Riley White (Hamilton, Va./Virginia Academy) converted on a layup, as RMC trailed Shenandoah 8-19 after one.
- The Yellow Jackets were able to get the game back into single digits, down 12-21, after Matheny registered back-to-back buckets. While Shenandoah was able to regain a 14-point lead, Erin Porter (Virginia Beach, Va./Kettle Run) hit two shots in the paint, cutting the deficit to 20-31 with five minutes to play in the half. With 1:28 to go, Smith hit RMC's first shot from distance, putting an end to a 12-point Hornets run, as the Lemon and Black trailed 23-43 heading into the break.
- While Addisyn Banks tallied five consecutive points to start the third for the home team, Porter hit a layup to end the scoring spurt. Up 48-27 with 7:44 to go, SU extended its lead to 56-27 after scoring eight-straight points and committing a foul to stop the clock. Matheny, Byers and Liz Wyrick (Greensboro, N.C., Greensboro Day) remained persistent on the offensive glass, but the Hornets defended successfully, posting another four points to close out the third frame, leading 60-27.
- With 8:31 remaining in the contest, a jumper from Porter got Randolph-Macon the first points of the fourth, still trailing 29-60. Despite some free throws from Shenandoah, Riley nailed a three before both Matheny and Wyrick hit midrange shots, making the score 36-62 with 3:35 remaining. The Yellow Jackets were able to score on their final three possessions of the game, as Smith, White and Byers all hit shots close to the rim. Despite the late scoring surge, RMC was not able to complete the comeback, with SU winning 67-42.
Inside the Numbers
- RMC remained disciplined in the fouls category, as they committed seven compared to eight from SU.
- Shenandoah won the rebounding battle 42-36, but RMC paced SU on the offensive glass, 10-9.
- The Hornets led the Yellow Jackets 44.1-to-32.3 in shooting percentage.
- Matheny finished with team-highs in points (12), rebounds (six) and field goals made (six). She also picked up a block and a steal.
- White finished the contest with seven points, five rebounds and a career-high four blocks. The sophomore has now grabbed four-or-more rebounds in each of her last seven games.
- Porter finished second on the team with 10 points and she also grabbed three rebounds in her 26 minutes played.
Up Next
The Lemon and Black host #6 Washington and Lee at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17th for RMC's 50th Anniversary Game.
