Women’s basketball gets road win in the Big Apple

Junior Keira Robinson (center) is averaging eight points and four assists per contest. Photo by Julie Tripp.

IONA
On Nov. 17, the Rams traveled to the Hynes Center in New York to play against Iona University.
The Rams began the game with another big start in the first half, leading, 15-4 midway through the 1st quarter. Iona ended the quarter strong, going on a 12-0 run taking a 16-15 lead going into the second quarter. In the second quarter, VCU began to pull away and put on an excellent defensive effort. By halftime, Iona was shooting just 28 percent from the field.
In the second half the Rams continued in another superb defensive performance, while taking care of the ball offensively, getting contribution from everyone in regards to scoring. VCU cruised to another victory winning with a score of 74-58.
The Lady Rams created 22 turnovers while only giving away nine of their own. Each member of VCU’s starting five ended the game with double-digit points. Adaeze Alaeze and Camille Calhoun scored 16 points apiece, leading the team offensively.
Despite the loss, Iona’s Treyanna Clay put in a solid day’s work with 17 points and five rebounds.
Coppin State
This year’s veteran Rams squad took to the floor in front of a VCU crowd with more than 2,000 in attendance and put on a show for the VCU faithful. The Rams came out clicking as a team offensively and defensively.
Shooting 50 percent in the first half, surrendering only two field goals to Coppin. VCU jumped out to an dominant lead of 25-6.
The second quarter was much of the same as teams went into the locker room at the half with a score of 44-14, advantage to VCU. The lead would not drop below 20 after the ending of the second quarter.
The second half started with VCU keeping its foot on the gas, continuing in an impressive all around effort. Throughout the game the Rams controlled rebounding, dominating Coppin on the glass with.
Junior guard Ashley Pegram led the team in scoring dropping 13 while sophomore Curteeona Brelove was big on the glass, pulling down 10 boards.
The win made for the second straight season opening victory since the arrival of Head Coach Beth O’Boyle.
Junior guard Keira Robinson said she was optimistic and proud of the team’s effort for the first game.
Coach wanted us to dictate the tempo and that’s what we went out and did,” Robinson said. “We were effective with our pressing, getting out and running and our rebounding.”
O’Boyle said she feels great about the start and is ready to continue in this kind of play.
“What a way to start the season, the girls really came out ready to play,” O’Boyle said. “We had a great first half and saw contribution from everyone.”
Staff Writer, Marcus Blackwell
Marcus is a junior majoring in mass communications with a concentration in broadcast journalism. Marcus enjoys sports and music. // Twitter | Facebook
blackwellm@commonwealthtimes.org
Staff Photographer, Julie Tripp
Julie is a junior majoring in photography with a minor in media studies. She is pursuing a career in photojournalism and is taking the spring semester to study photography in Bristol, England. // Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Portfolio