The Eastern Michigan University’s women’s team started the 2017-18 season with a solid 83-61 win over the Rattlers of Florida A&M University, Friday, Nov. 10 at the Convocation Center.The Eagles (1-0) utilized a balanced scoring attack with ten players registering at least one point, and five scoring at least nine points. Offensively, EMU was more than efficient finishing 31-62 as a team from the field and 7-17 behind the three-point line. They also rebounded the Rattlers 44-40. 

Head coach Fred Castro was pleased with the way his team played, as well as after the game when the day was highlighted with some new blood joining the EMU program. Fourteen-year old Alyssa Suisham from Royal Oak was the teams newest addition through a special Draft Day ceremony after the game. Suisham was diagnosed with with Hyptonial Cerebral Palsy in 2004 and was introduced to the program through Team IMPACT, a Boston-based national non-profit whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing serious chronic illnesses through the team concept. 

“This has been an incredible week for our team and for our program,” Eagles head coach Fred Castro said post game. 

“Obviously, it’s early signing period, and the week started off with us signing a great class of incoming freshmen next year. Today we got our season started with a solid victory at home.” 

Freshman Courtne Lewis was great in her team debut with a team high, 18-points and four rebounds to go with three assists. Redshirt freshman Corrione Caldwell logged nine-points and a team high eight rebounds, while red shirt junior and Canadian transplant Lorraine Enabulele scored 10-points and four steals in her Eastern Michigan debut. 

With just over four minutes left in the fourth quarter, FAMU was able to trim the large deficit to 17-points. However, this never fazed the Lady Eagles as they responded by scoring the next three baskets to lead 73-53. EMU then went on an 8-2 run, and never looked back. 

“We’re adding the best for last in adding Alyssa to our program to add to our class if you will, and it will be a class of five,” Castro said. 

“We couldn't be any more excited.” 

Eastern Michigan returns to action, Monday, Nov. 10, and then hits the road for a series of out-of-state tournaments through the end of the semester and through the new year.

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