University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
at Navy
Spiders Torpedo Navy In Season Opener
11/12/2011 | Women's Basketball
ANNAPOLIS, Md.-- Richmond used a dominant second half effort to cruise past Navy, 56-39, Friday night in its season opener at Alumni Hall in Annapolis, Md.
After a basket-for-basket first half, Richmond turned the corner when it went on a 13-2 run to start the second half. The Spiders led 26-24 at the break, with the first half seeing six ties and seven lead changes. The Spider run was jumpstarted by the impressive return of guard Rachael Bilney's two free throws at the 18;36 mark.
After Navy fought back within a 34-27 deficit, Miah Register provided the silencer with a three on the wing to give Richmond back breathing room.
Bilney started the contest and played in her first game since the 2009-10 season after suffering a knee injury last year. Bilney was nothing short of superb, tying a career-high with 12 points, three assists and four steals. Bilney also pulled down seven boards, matching another career high.
Abby Oliver followed Bilney with 10 tallies, coming within 28 points of the 1,000 point milestone. Oliver will become the 18th player to join the coveted club. Genevieve Okoro had 10 points and six boards and Register had seven tallies, including a clutch three-pointer to swing momentum back Richmond's way.
Nine players scored in the contest, with Becca Wann scoring six off the bench and Ryann Dannelly grabbed a career-high eight boards.
The Spiders crushed Navy on the boards, 45-25, and recorded a game-high 10 steals and 13 assists.
Richmond improved to 4-2 over Navy and 6-1 in season openers under head coach Michael Shafer. Richmond improved to 63-29 all-time in season-opening games.
The Spiders host their oldest rival, William & Mary, Monday at 7 p.m. in the Robins Center.
