Jackets Open Conference Play with Road Win at Emory
ATLANTA – The University of Rochester women’s basketball team vaulted out to a big first half lead and was able to cruise to a victory in the University Athletic Association conference opener, topping host Emory University 74-51 on Saturday afternoon at the Woodruff P.E. Center.
Rochester’s record now sits at 8-4 overall on the season and 1-0 in UAA play. Emory drops to 8-4 and is 0-1 in the conference.
The Yellowjackets were strong in the first half, holding a 46-23 lead at halftime, thanks in part to a dominant performance over the second period, outscoring the Eagles by 16 points. After Emory was able to chip away at the lead in the third quarter, UR finished the contest strong in the fourth to seal the victory.
Graduate student Erin Lillis led the ‘Jackets with 17 points, while fellow graduate student Abby Gressadded 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Franki Gomez matched her career-high with 13 points and pulled down a career-high seven rebounds.
UR’s defense combined to hold the Eagles to just 34% shooting (19-56) overall, making an impact behind the arc as well, limiting Emory to just 2-of-13 shooting from 3-point range. Rochester, meanwhile, shot 40% overall (27-67) and made 9-of-24 (38%) 3-pointers.
After leading 7-6 through the opening three minutes, Rochester scored back-to-back baskets from Gress and a triple from Gomez to open up a 6-point lead. UR’s next two baskets were also three’s, coming from first-year’s Annelise Dexter and Grace Corelli to build the lead out to eight.
Following the first ten minutes, Rochester led 19-12.
Midway through the second, Rochester was up ten after another Corelli 3-pointer, with that play igniting a 12-1 run that broke open the game. Lillis added two free throws and a layup, Gress hit a jumper and Claire Groenewoud chipped in a triple during the spurt that moved Rochester in front by 18 points, up 38-20.
Rochester doubled up the Eagles at halftime, 46-23, after Raquel Williams hit a jumper just before the intermission buzzer sounded.
Emory tried to get back into the game with a late third quarter run, outscoring Rochester 11-2 over the final five minutes, but the Yellowjackets were still leading by 16 points heading to the fourth.
In the final period, Rochester was able to put the game away with a 12-2 surge of its own over four and a half minutes. Dexter provided five points, with Gomez, Gress and Bridget Miller chipping in baskets during the stretch.
UR’s victory in Atlanta is the fourth straight for the Yellowjackets and is the 40th all-time win across 70 total meetings against the Eagles.
Rochester’s next matchup is set for Friday January 17 at Brandeis University at 7:30 pm.