Fans roar, Lady Royals respond
EMU fans cheer on the team and wave pom-poms during Tuesday’s game against Lynchburg. The Lady Royals defeated the Hornets 84-69, bringing their overall record to 13-1.
The Lady Royals basketball team is blazing its way through the season with a 13-1 (overall) and 9-1 (ODAC) record, tying them with the best start ever by an EMU women’s basketball team.
The last time the Lady Royals were able to come out with such a phenomenal start was back in the 1984-85 season when they went on to win the only ODAC championship in the program’s history. The start has ranked the Royals at 39th in the d3hoops.com, the NCAA Division III’s national poll. The team’s exceptional play this year could help them make their own mark.
The Royals played Lynchburg Tuesday, outscoring the Hornets 84-69. Sophomores Amanda Renalds (forward/center) and Stephanie Mathews (guard/forward) led the team with 21 points each. Sophomore guard/forward Carrie Grandstaff followed with 19 points, with Laura Ludholtz adding 10 points and 9 rebounds.
Last Saturday night’s rival game against Bridgewater brought out a roaring crowd of 959 fans. The Royals managed to edge the Eagles 85-80, making for an edge-of-your-seat night. Grandstaff led the Royals with a game-high 27 points, with Mathews hitting 18 and Ludholtz and Renalds draining 12 points to help lead the Royals to victory.
Head coach Richard McElwee is modest, but excited about his team’s success so far this season. "Mind over matter" is the name of the game, along with trying to keep his team focused on one game at a time. The biggest challenge for the Lady Royals this season has simply been numbers; carrying so few players has limited the chances of trying new ideas because they don’t have a deep bench.
However, McElwee concludes that team assets such as athleticism and versatility have helped them overcome some of the obstacles they faced this season, especially when they went down to eight players. Former basketball player Jenny Cline, who did not come out this season due to past injuries, came forward when the team was in dire need of bodies. "Jenny has been a tremendous lift to the team. Her abilities have helped to lift the team when we needed her."
McElwee cited that team chemistry has helped the netters immensely. McElwee also expressed his admiration and gratitude to the EMU students, staff, and faculty for their continued support this season. "I just would like to express appreciation to the EMU student body and faculty for their support of the EMU women’s basketball team so far this season, particularly against Bridgewater. The atmosphere that was created was wonderful, and without each of you, I am not sure we would have won."
The Lady Royals travel to Virginia Wesleyan this Saturday for a 2 p.m. game against the Marlins. Best of wishes to the Royals as they continue to build on the season.
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