Guilford College Women’s Basketball Claims Throne Over Eastern Mennonite On the Road

Women’s Basketball Claims Throne Over Eastern Mennonite On the Road
Quakers overrule Royals with the help of Giannopoulou, Bayer, & McMillan
from Reagan Hune, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant at Guilford College

HARRISONBURG, VA. – All eyes were on Anna Giannopoulou (Athens, Greece) with her first double-double of the season, Zoe Bayer (Les Sables d’Olonne, France) being sneaky with steals, and Courtney McMillan (Lexington, N.C.) just one board shy of a double-double while the Guilford College women’s basketball team emerged victorious against the Royals of Eastern Mennonite University, 67-60 in Yoder Arena on Saturday afternoon.

For the 62nd meeting, The Quakers lead the series 40-22. With this win, it improves GC’s record vs. EMU to 4-1 in the Mathews era along with improving the record vs. Virginia based teams to 3-0. Guilford now stands at a 10-4 record, 4-2 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Eastern Mennonite falls to a 8-6 record, 0-5 in the ODAC.

Standouts for the Quakers included Giannopoulou with 14 points, ten rebounds, and a block, Bayer with a dozen points, going 5-for-13 from the floor, two steals, along with a rejection, and McMillan with ten points, nine rebounds, and two steals. Briahna Scott (Graham, N.C.) was active with four steals and eight points, while teammates Markayla Massenburg (Raleigh, N.C.) and Anaida Datilus (Chantilly, France) both added five points a-piece.

Key players for the home team were Lauren Townsend, who ended with game-high 17 points, two steals, and went 2-for-5 from beyond the arc, Jeriyah Osborne finished with 14 points, eight boards, and four steals, and Jayla Gray with a double-double with ten points, ten rebounds, four blocks, and three steals.

EMU started with an early lead thanks to a three-pointer by Grace Burke and effective plays by Gray and Townsend. GC responded with contributions from Scott, Bayer, and Giannopoulou, who helped close the gap by scoring inside and converting free throws. Both teams struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities but maintained a high energy level throughout. GC ended the first with five points off turnovers while EMU finished with only two. Although the Royals forced the Quakers to four turnovers, the Quakers countered that by causing six. The quarter ended with Townsend’s three-pointer putting Eastern Mennonite in the lead, 19-18.

In the second quarter, Guilford maintained their edge with strong defensive plays and efficient scoring, highlighted by contributions from McMillan and Giannopoulou. McMillan’s defensive rebounding and key layups maintained Guilford’s control, while Giannopoulou added two fastbreak layups. GC earned four total fastbreak points in this quarter as well. Carleigh Perry (Faith, N.C.) and Massenburg also made an impact with a block and free throws, respectively. Gray dominated the boards and added a crucial layup, while Burke and Townsend hit three-pointers to keep the game competitive. Despite Eastern Mennonite’s late surge, Guilford ended the quarter leading 31-30.

McMillan was a key factor, contributing multiple fastbreak layups and strong defensive plays, including steals and rebounds. Scott and Taylor Dunn (Charlotte, N.C.) also stood out with critical jumpers and defensive pressure. EMU fought to stay in contention, with Osborne showcasing her scoring ability in the paint and Townsend adding points at crucial moments. Despite their efforts, turnovers and missed opportunities hindered Eastern Mennonite’s progress. Guilford’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and maintain defensive intensity allowed them to build a solid lead heading into the final quarter. The third was where the Quakers got ten second-chance points and 13 points off turnovers.

The final quarter consisted of Guilford maintaining their composure despite a late push from the Royals, anchored by clutch moments from players like Giannopoulou, who delivered key free throws, and Scott, who made impactful plays on both ends. Massenburg and McMillan added crucial contributions in the closing minutes. The Royals fought valiantly to close the gap, with Osborne and Gray leading the charge. Osborne’s scoring and defensive hustle, coupled with Gray’s efforts in the paint, brought the game within reach. A timely three-pointer by Jayda Jones tied the game at 60, but Guilford quickly responded with decisive plays. Ultimately,

Guilford’s disciplined defense and ability to convert free throws down the stretch secured their win, 67-60, despite Eastern Mennonite’s comeback attempt.

Guilford’s next game is set for Wednesday, Jan. 15th against Randolph. Tip-off is at 5 p.m. to continue ODAC play.

#GoQuakes