Embry-Riddle Women's Basketball started the New Year on Thursday evening with a convincing 80-43 win against the Keelhaulers of Cal Maritime in the Activity Center. 

The Eagles started strong as Mehgan Strickler (Glendale, Ariz.) made a three point basket which was followed by a jump shot by Micaela Hidalgo (Greeley, Colo.).  Embry-Riddle's defense held the Keelhaulers to just two points until there was 3:49 left in the first quarter.  After the first ten minutes of the game, ERAU led 25-7. 

Cal Maritime scored first to start the second period but on the Eagles trip down the court, Hannah Urbano (Kailua, Hawaii) made a three point shot.  Nicole Evenson (Bemidji, Minn.) scored her first points of the night with 3:58 left in the half as she made her first of four three point baskets.  At the half, Embry-Riddle led 46-21. 

The strong offense continued into the second half as Hidalgo, Zakiirah King (Chandler, Ariz.), and Susie Reynoso (Escondido, Calif.) all made shots.  Embry-Riddle won the third quarter 23-10 to extend their lead to 69-31 heading into the final ten minutes. 

Aryana Gonzales (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) had back to back steals for ERAU in the fourth quarter as Embry-Riddle went on to win the game 80-43. 

Evenson led all scorers with 18 points as she shot 4-6 from three point range and was 2-2 from the free throw line.  All 12 ERAU players scored a point in the game. Gonzales had four steals and five assists and King and Liz Behan (St. Peters, Mo.) each had seven rebounds.

Embry-Riddle will play again next on Saturday night as the Pioneers from Pacific Union come to town for a 6:30pm tip-off.