PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (January 4, 2020) – Howard University women's basketball team won its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) opener with a 79-58 victory at Maryland Eastern Shore.
 
With the win, HU moved to 9-5 (1-0 MEAC) overall while the Hawks dropped to 3-11 (0-1 MEAC).
 
Howard took control after the first period, dominating the glass, 49-37, while holding Eastern Shore to only 34-percent shooting (21-of-61) from the floor.
 
Second-year forward Krislyn Marsh (Duncanville, Texas) provided the inside presence, producing a double-double with 17 points and 13 boards in the win.
 
"We did a great job of containing and rebounding," said Howard women's basketball head coach Ty Grace. "Krislyn [Marsh] has that ability [to control the glass]. She's always aggressive and a competitor. I hope she can continue this throughout conference play."
 
HU took a 19-18 advantage after one and extended the margin to double digits before intermission, thanks to junior guard Jayla Thornton (Newark, N.J.) scoring 14 of her game-high 22 points in the second period. In that quarter, the New Jersey native went 5-of-8 from the floor, including 4-of-5 from downtown.
 
"Once Jayla [Thornton] gets going, it's hard to stop her," Grace continued. "She knocks down shots and finds a way to get open. When they [Maryland Eastern Shore] lost her, she made them pay."
 
After halftime, senior guards Sarah Edmond (Freeport, N.Y.) and Ayonna Williams (Washington) kept the pressure on despite multiple runs from Eastern Shore. The backcourt duo combined for 20 points in the third and fourth quarters.
 
For the game, Williams notched a double-double (13 points and 10 boards), along with seven dimes and four thefts, while Edmond netted 12 points, four assists and a pair of steals in the victory.
 
Brooklyn Bailey led the Hawks with 16 points while Amanda Carney registered 15 points in the loss.
 
Monday (Jan. 6), HU returns to The Burr where the reigning MEAC Tourney Champion, Bethune-Cookman, awaits. The action starts 5:30 p.m. on Community Day.
 
Monday's promotion is Community Day where a group of 10 or more fans will get into the game for only $5. Also, the first 50 fans for both games will receive Bison Swag to kick off the New Year. Listen to 97.3 FM all weekend for a chance to earn ticket giveaways in the reserved seats behind the DJ.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.