Sports
RedStorm Defeat MVNU, Remain Undefeated
By: Megan Plain
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After defeating Mount Vernon Nazarene University 96-76, Rio Grande has furthered this season’s record to 3-0.
“I asked the players how many 3-0 streaks we were coming off of last year,” head coach David Smalley told RioRedStorm.com, “and the answer is zero.”
After last year’s 8-22 season, the RedStorm have made major improvements, leading them to a hot start to the 2013-14 season.
“The team moves so well off the ball,” Smalley said, “and Sarah Bonar is almost perfect at doing that.”
Rio was able to keep up its momentum, and continued to hold the lead the entire game. The RedStorm grabbed the lead quickly and never looked back. During half time, they were leading 50-39, and continued to keep a good distance throughout the remainder of the game.
The RedStorm outrebounded the Cougars 52-33. They also remained hot on offense and made 51 percent of their field goals.
Sophomore forward Sarah Bonar, once again, had a phenomenal game. She led the game in scores, with a double-double at 26 points and 13 rebounds. Bonar justified her Mid-South Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week selection she earned last week.
Brianna Thomas had her first double-double as a RedStorm player with 15 points, 10 assists and seven steals.
Freshman guard Kaylyn Gambill has continued her success as well. Gambill contributed 20 points and sank six threes.
The RedStorm now look ahead to face Ohio University-Lancaster, who is seeking revenge after being beaten twice by Rio’s junior varsity team. This will be Rio Grande’s first game in the Bevo Francis Tournament hosted at Newt Oliver Arena.