ST. DAVIDS, Pa.- Eastern University Women's Basketball used tough defense and transition offense to run past local rival Rosemont College 81-50 in the season opener for both sides. Sophomore guard Katie Lincoln led the way for the host Eagles with 22 points, six steals, five assists, and three rebounds.

The Eagles held the lead from the first basket, but the game looked like a season-opener early. Neither team shot well from the field through the first eight minutes of action, but the game did not lack for intensity. Eastern seemed to gain momentum through the middle part of the period, but the Ravens stayed in the game with solid inside play from ElizabethCoyne. 

Eastern led 27-23 with three minutes to play in the half before finishing the frame on an 8-0 run. Senior forward Bekah Roland scored the first four points of the closing run and Gina DiDomenico and Ellen Dvorak made the final two baskets to send the Eagles to the locker room with a 35-23 edge.

Roland led all scorers with nine at the intermission, while Coyne led the Ravens with eight. 

Eastern built the edge up to 17 early in the half, but the Ravens cut the deficit to 10 on a four point play from Alexandra Gravinese five minutes into the half.

Lincoln then sparked an 18-2 run that ultimately put the game out of reach. She had seven points, four steals, and two assists in the four minute burst. The Eagles held the lead in the mid-twenties to finish out the match.

Second year Head Coach Nate Davis played fifteen players, including nine freshmen in the season-opener. Kaitlyn Doughertyled the newcomers with 12 points off the bench. Meghan Nowak added eight, and Kaleigh Boreman and Reilly Gavitt added six apiece. Roland finished with 15 points and a game-high nine rebounds.

The Eagles played without Preseason All-American guard Shante Jones who was being held out for medical reasons. 

Coyne had twenty to pace the guests.  

Eastern returns to action on Friday at the Wilmington Invitational in Ohio. 

Box Score