Firebirds Soar Past Goldey-Beacom in Convincing 95-62 Win; Ryles Nets Career High 31 Points

NEWARK, DEL.- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team improved to 2-0 on the season after picking up a 95-62 victory over Goldey-Beacom College, Saturday afternoon at the WU Athletic Complex. This is the first time since the 2013-14 season that the Firebirds have won their first two games. The Lightning fell to 1-1 on the season.

Destiny Ryles led all scorers with a career high 31 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Shanell Haskins and Kensley Benjamin also scored in double-figures, coming off the bench to add 16 and 15 points. Benjamin also led all players with a game-high five steals. 

UDC shot at 46.5% from the field while holding Goldey-Beacom to 30.7%. The Firebirds came out blazing scoring 33 points in the first and second quarters to open a 37 point deficit going into the break. Haskins scored 11 of her 16 points in the first quarter going 2-3 from the field and a perfect 6-6 from the foul line. 

Coming out of half-time the Lightning fought to get back into the game, holding the UDC offense to just 11 points in the third and outscoring them 22-17 in the fourth. This wasn't enough, as the Firebirds held strong finishing out with the 33 point victory.

UDC outrebounded GBC 47-43 and converted more turnovers into points (23-13). 

Next up, UDC (2-0, 0-0 ECC) will head to Philadelphia on Wednesday to face off against Holy Family University at 6:00 PM.