HARRISONBURG, Va. - Host Eastern Mennonite used a a big run midway through the first half to key a 60-48 non-conference women's basketball victory over over Shenandoah Saturday afternoon.

The Royals (7-1) broke a 12-12 tie with an 8-0 run from the 9:58 to 4:19 marks of the first to take a lead they would not relinquish over Shenandoah (3-6).

Prior to this run, the two teams traded the lead three times and were tied on two occasions.

SU, thanks to seven points from senior Mandy Johnston, was able to cut the deficit to one point, 20-19, with 2:59 remaining, but could get no closer.

EMU led at 26-22 at halftime after the Hornets Abby Gallagher drained a 3-pointer just before the buzzer.

Unfortunately for the visitors, the Royals scored seven of the first eight points following the break to give themselves some breathing room.

Eastern Mennonite led by at least five points the rest of the way and reached double-digits for the first time with 14:51 remaining.

Johnston paced the Hornets with a season-high 18 points with Sam Akers adding 10.

Kayla Yoders had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the hosts.

The Royals shot 62 percent in the second half after being held to an 8 of 30 performance (26.7 percent) in the opening stanza.

Shenandoah is now off for the holidays and returns to action on January 4 at Mary Baldwin.

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