WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GOES 2-0 IN RIO GRANDE CLASSIC

RIO GRANDE, Ohio - Women's Basketball (3-1) went 2-0 in the Rio Grande Classic over the weekend, defeating opponents Union (KY) (0-1) and UC Merced (0-1) by wide margins. The Warriors saw multiple players put up strong outings during the games, including freshman Jacey Somers, who earned WHAC Player of the Week honors for her performances.

WARRIORS VS. UNION (KY) - FINAL: 104-47

Rochester left no doubt in its first weekend matchup, scoring 22 points or more in each quarter of the Saturday matchup. Five Warriors scored in double-figures, but it was the defensive side of the ball where Rochester impressed the most. The Warriors had 29 steals - the most in a game this season - and rarely allowed the ball to cross half-court.

As a result, transition points came easy for Rochester, with the team shooting 56.6% from the field. Rochester also shot over 40% from the three-point line. Sophomore Melanie Moore posted a strong all-around performance, scoring 12 points while grabbing eight boards and six steals.

Veteran guards Celeste Mershimer and Imari Martin also contributed in a big way, with the duo leading the team in assists while also forcing several turnovers. Mershimer and Martin combined for 30 points.

WARRIORS VS. UC MERCED - FINAL: 80-56

Rochester ended the weekend with another stout defensive outing, holding UC Merced to under 33% from the field. Rochester had five players score in double-figures, with Mershimer engineering the offense; Mershimer recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists.

Rochester's size played a big role in the win, with Somers, Moore, and junior Grace Lodes combining for 43 points. Lodes nearly posted a double-double off the bench with 11 points and nine rebounds.

Martin led the Warriors in scoring while putting up a four-for-four: 19 points, four rebounds, four steals, and four assists. Rochester put up 19 assists as a team while out-rebounding UC Merced 46-36.

UP NEXT

Rochester heads off to another classic the next weekend, traveling to Indiana Wesleyan. 

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Image Courtesy of Rio Grande Athletics