The SMWC women's basketball team rolled to a 87-66 victory Saturday in its River States Conference opener, defeating IU East. 
Irye Gomez was a spark early for SMWC, scoring 18 of her 21 points in the first half. 
Gomez scored seven of the Pomeroys first nine points, hitting two mid-range jumpers, a 3-pointer and two free throws. That set the tone for the Pomeroys' best shooting night of the season; they knocked down 53.1 percent overall.
Madison Fueger scored 13 points to go with nine rebounds two blocks and five steals. Brooklynn Jones also reached double figures with 10 points. 
SMWC went back and forth with IU East in the first quarter, taking a 17-16 lead after 10 minutes. 
The Pomeroys (5-3, 1-0 RSC) took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring the Red Wolves 27-10 during a 7-minute stretch to take a 44-27 lead. 
During that stretch, Gomez added another 3-pointer, and Kylee Stepp converted a four-point play. 
Jones was produced six points and three assists. 
The Pomeroys came out strong in the third quarter.
Another Stepp 3-pointer and a layup from Abigail Parker put the Pomeroys ahead 63-40 with 4:15 to go in the third quarter. 
The Pomeroys stretched their lead to as many as 24 with 2:10 to go in the fourth quarter. 

BENCH PRODUCTION
The Pomeroys are averaging 33 ppg from its bench this season and the group produced another 30 points Saturday. 
Destiny Thomas had four steals, five assists and six points. She also matched up often against IU East's standout freshman Taylor Farris. While Farris scored 300 points, the Pomeroys held her to two assists and forced six turnovers.
"We knew she was their best player and we had to limit her playmaking and make others create, in order to play the game. She got some good buckets, she's a good player. It's about containing and I feel like I was able to do that. It helped my team out," Thomas said.
The Pomeroys forced 19 turnovers and held IUE to 37 percent shooting.
"Our defense was big. That's a big part of the reason we won," Thomas said. "Last year, I don't necessarily think we would have beat that team by 20 points. But that's because we're showing up on defense - and offense - this year." 
Madison White and Parker added six points apiece.
Aubrey Burgess led the team with seven assists. 

3-POINT ACCURACY 
The Pomeroys' 3-point shooting was also a season-high, knocking down 6 of 13 from beyond the arc. Stepp was 2 for 2, Gomez 3 for 6 and Abby Worley 1 for 3.