By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, OH---Emma-Jean Ricketts scored 17 points to lead five players in double figures as the No. 8 Express women routed Henry Ford 97-51 in their season opener in the SHAC.

Meshia Smith, playing her first collegiate game, added 10 points, 14 rebounds, two steals, two blocks and one assist in only 16 minutes of action due to foul trouble.

Another freshman, Nandi Taylor, played only 14 minutes to due foul trouble, but also had a solid game with eight assists and three steals.

Taylor opened the game with a 3-pointer. Following a lay-in by Dejanique Reddix of Henry Ford made it 3-2, the Express went on an 18-0 run to take a 21-2 lead with 13:02 left in the 1st half.

Despite two free throws that cut Henry Ford's deficit to 21-4, the Express then went on a 11-0 run to take a 32-4 lead with 9:48 left in the half. The Express led 42-20 at halftime, while half (10) of Henry Ford's points came from the foul line.

Uniqua Mitchell finished a close second in points (16) behind Ricketts, while adding eight rebounds (6 offensive), three assists, one block and one steal.

Karahn Scott (14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals) and Danielle Bezeau (10 points, 2 steals) also hit double figures in scoring.

Jordyn Bond (9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals) and Eboni Adams (9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) also produced well in their first collegiate games.

As a team, the Express had more offensive rebounds (28) than Henry Ford had total rebounds (26). They finished with a 68-26 advantage in total rebounds.

The game featured 48 fouls and 68 free throw attempts. Henry Ford finished 25-for-40 from the line, while the Express finished 21-for-28.

The Express also held large advantages in points in the paint (56-16), second chance points (25-6) and bench points (43-5).

The Express (1-0) will take on Wayne County Community College on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Owens Tip Off Classic. On Sunday, they play Oakland Community College at 2 p.m. Both games are in the SHAC.