Embry-Riddle face a tough opponent in (RV) Rocky Mountain College in their first match up of the Cactus Classic held at Chandler-Gilbert Community College on Friday afternoon..   The Battlin' Bears won the game with a final score of 85-52 over the Eagles.  

The first half set the tone for the encounter, with the Eagles trailing by 22 points against the aggressive play of Rocky Mountain, who amassed 44 points. In the aftermath, the Eagles looked to regroup and gain ground but ultimately, the Battlin' Bears maintained their lead, securing a commanding win. Standout performer for Embry-Riddle, Hannah Urbano (Kailua, Hawaii), netted 14 points and facilitated 3 assists.  

Supporting Urbano, Jordyn Smith (Mount Vernon, Wash.) and Nicole Evenson (Bemidji, Minn.) contributed with 9 and 6 points respectively, aiding the Eagles' offense. The defense saw active contributions from players like Mehgan Strickler (Glendale, Ariz.) and Ella Schott (Cave Creek, Ariz.), each grabbing 5 rebounds and Strickler adding 2 steals and a block to her tally. However, these efforts were overshadowed by the Battlin' Bears' dominant display throughout the game.

It will be a quick turn around for the Eagles as they play again on Saturday with the game slated to begin at 10am from Chandler-Gilbert.  ERAU will take on Montana State-Northern to finish the Cactus Classic.