DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The Emmanuel Women's Basketball team traveled to Daytona Beach, Fl to face the #13 ranked, Embry-Riddle University in the 2025 ERAU Holiday Classic. The Lions got off to a hot start in the first quarter, but the Eagles responded well to take a 27-19 lead heading into the half. The Lions roared back in second half, taking the lead in the fourth quarter and holding on to upset the #13 Eagles, 58-50! With the win, the Lions move to 8-3 on the season, 4-2 in conference play.

Emmanuel jumped out to an early lead behind key baskets by Naomi Roberts and Natalee Goff to make it 8-2, Lions with 7:05 to play in the first. The Eagles responded to get within two points of the lead, but a three-pointer by Hannah Harris and a tip-in by Kate Jackson pushed the Lions lead back up to 13-6 with 2:17 to play in the quarter. Embry-Riddle closed out the quarter strong to end it trailing the Lions 13-12. In the first, the Lions shot 5-13 from the field (38%) connecting on 2-5 from three-point range. 

The Eagles took control in the second quarter, shooting 7-15 from the field to take an eight-point lead, 25-17 with 3:20 to play. Free throws by Jackson cut the Eagles lead to six late, but Embry Riddle responded to take a 27-19 lead into the break. 

Jumpers by Goff and Lizzie Teasley quickly cut the Eagles lead to 27-24 early in the third quarter. The Eagles responded to pull back ahead by 10 with 7:08 to play in the quarter, but the Lions answered with a 12-2 run to tie the game at 35-35 with 2:35 to play in the quarter. The teams traded points to close out the quarter tied at 39-39. In the third, the Lions were 8-13 from the field (62%) and a perfect 3-3 from the free throw line. 

The fourth quarter opened as a defensive battle, with the teams trading points and the lead. With 4:20 to play, consecutive layups by Naomi Roberts gave the Lions a 47-43 lead and they didn't look back. Roberts, Hannah Harris and Kate Jackson made key plays late to keep the Eagles at bay and Roberts iced the game at the foul line to give the Lions the win, 58-50! The Lions shot 6-12 from the field in the fourth quarter, connecting on 6-6 from the foul line. 

Naomi Roberts led all scorers with 20 points on the afternoon, adding 3 rebounds and 3 steals on the day. Kate Jackson picked up another double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, with Natalee Goff adding 8 points and 10 boards. Hannah Harris ended the day a perfect 4-4 from the field, contributing 9 points with Lizzie Teasley adding 9 points. 

Next up, the Lions will continue tournament play against Rollins College tomorrow at 2:30PM. 

For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.