WINTER PARK, Fla. – The Rollins women's basketball team built on a strong second quarter performance to top Embry-Riddle (6-13) 71-57, Saturday afternoon at Warden Arena. The Tars, who shot 44.4 percent from the field for the game, shot 64.3 percent in the second quarter and outscored ERAU 24-7 in that period to improve to 9-9 on the year.
 
"We didn't show up in the first half, offensively or defensively," ERAU Head Coach Lisa Nuxol-Wilson commented. "We didn't stick to our game plan. We aren't going to get better at playing more consistently if we don't start games focused and ready to compete every possession." 
 
Both teams struggled to start the game and at the end of a low-scoring first quarter, the Eagles held a 9-5 lead over the host Tars.
 
The second quarter belonged to the Tars who went on a 15-1 run to open up a 20-10 lead. ERAU only trailed by seven with 5:02 left in the frame, but nine turnovers and 20 percent shooting by the Eagles helped Rollins take a 29-16 lead into the locker room at the half.
 
The Tars continued to build on their advantage through the next two quarters and led by 24 points (60-36) early in the fourth. The Eagles outscored Rollins 21-11 in the final 7:12 of the contest, but it was too little too late as the early deficit was too much for ERAU to overcome.
 
The Eagles had three players finish in double figures, including Sabrina Whiting who had a team-high 15 points. Mercedes Jorge earned her third double-double of the year with 12 points and 14 rebounds, while Lauren Ellenberger added 10 points, six assists and four steals, and Taylor Cyphers contributed eight points and eight boards.
 
ERAU returns to the ICI Center at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday to host Tampa.