YPSILANTI— It looked bad as the Eastern Michigan Women were down 45-30 and headed into half-time. The Lady Eagles rallied in the second half for an 82-74 win. Sparked by junior Tavelyn James, EMU qualified for the First-Energy Mid-American Conference semi-finals in Cleveland. They overtook a struggling Miami University RedHawks squad that went cold in the second half.
EMU used a 15-1 run to start the second period, with James ending up with a season high 36 points.
Paige Redditt had 21 points and 12 rebounds while Cassie Schrock added 14 points with 11 assists. Senior forward Kristin Thomas grabbed 14 rebounds. De’Ja Wills got hot at the right time in the Eagles’ comeback, hitting two key baskets. She finished with seven points.
The RedHawks had four players in double figures, as Courtney Osbourn scored 17 points, Maggie Boyer and Kristen Olowinski each tallied 14. Olowinski notched a double as she was also able to grab 11 rebounds and Erica Almady posted 12 points.
The Eagles (20-11) will face Kent State in the second round of the MAC Basketball Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio at Quicken Loans Arena. The game will be broadcast live on WEMU 89.1.
Schrock broke the all-time EMU record for career foul shots made, finishing at 549. On the season, junior Tavelyn James led the team with a 18 points-a-game average and hit foul shots at a 79 % clip.
Six seniors played their last home game at EMU, including Wills, Schrock, Thomas, Sydney Huntley, Tara Johnson and Raina Spencer.
Coach AnnMarie Gilbert along with parents honored the seniors before the Western Michigan win. The Lady Eagles beat their in-state rival 80-56.
Upcoming events on campus have the baseball team hosting Oakland and Alma, March 18-19 for the Oestrike Classic Tourney. Women’s softball opens at home on April 8, against Bowling Green at 1:00 p.m. at Varsity Field. For more information go to www.emueagles.com
As part of Women’s History Month in March, there will be a free lecture titled the ‘Body Positivity Workshop’ on Monday, March 14, 12:30-1:45 p.m. in 330 of the Student Center. Faculty, students and the community are welcome to the presentation led by MaryAnn Kozlowski. Obesity, self hatred, body positivity and the importance of ‘health at every size!’ will be covered.
