Box Score MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – On the backs of three double-digit scorers, the Eastern Washington University women's basketball team toppled Furman, 68-56, for its first win of the season in the Preseason WNIT Consolation Bracket on Saturday (Nov. 19).

The first quarter gave the game an action-packed opening with a total of 49 points scored between the two teams. Junior Delaney Hodgins and Senior Ashli Payne were leading the way with eight and seven points, respectively. Eastern used the offensive fire it had to push out to a 29-20 lead that would not be surrendered for the remainder of the game.

"Our energy was great today," said head coach Wendy Schuller. "I thought we played with better chemistry on both ends of the floor."

EWU continued to match Furman quarter after quarter by winning its matchups down low, and tiring out the Paladins. Hodgins picked up the season's first double-double on 15 points and 10 boards, while Payne lit up the scoreboard from downtown with a team-high 20 points on four threes. Junior Tisha Phillips closed in on a triple-double, finishing two rebounds and three assists shy.

"I think Tisha led exceptionally today and it was great to see AP have a breakout game. Delaney, Tisha and Ashli were all great on the glass. This was a long trip, so it was satisfying to get our legs under us and play the way I know we are capable," said Schuller.

Win-Loss Records: The season's first win is in the book and Eastern Washington sits at a 1-2 record, while Furman falls to 0-3.

What it Means: After a 76-55 loss to Elon the day before, the Eagles came looking for vengeance, and they found it against the Paladins. The team showed up with unmatched energy and lifted themselves to the season's first victory in the closing contest of the Preseason WNIT.

Turning Point: The first quarter scoring rampage by EWU defined the tone of the entire match. Eastern continued to hustle and play with energy, slowing Furman to just 36 point over the three remaining periods, while keeping pace with whatever the Paladins put on the board.

Key Stats: The Eagles won the game in the trenches, grabbing 47 rebounds to Furman's 39, and dominating the offensive glass with 17 boards.  EWU almost had three double-digit rebounders in senior Tisha Phillips along with Hodgins and Payne.

Eastern spread the ball well all game with three players scoring over 14 points, while Furman's leading scorer was kept to just 10 points.

The Eagles' starters showed up big, accounting for 56 of the team's 68 points.

Top Performers: Ashli Payne led all players with a season-high 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and 4-of-7 from three point range. She also grabbed eight rebounds.

Delaney Hodgins recorded her double-double on 5-of-16 shooting. She had 15 points along with 10 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks.

Tisha Phillips filled the stat sheet with 14 points on 5-of-18 from the field, tallying nine rebounds, and seven assists along the way.

Freshman Symone Starks played a key role off the bench by collecting four assists, four rebounds, and a team-leading three steals in 23 minutes of action.

Notables: The Preseason WNIT concluded with Eastern's first win and a 1-2 record over a week of opponents that included Washington, Elon, and finally Furman.

Payne, Phillips, and Hodgins were a deadly trio, combining for 49 points.

Delaney Hodgins recorded her seventh career double-double and her 56^th career double-figure scoring output. She has scored at least ten points in 20 straight games.

Tisha Phillips tied her career high of nine rebounds she set back on January 30, 2016 against Sacramento State.

Ashlie Payne scored in double-figures for the 19^th time in her Eagles career, while Phillips had her 21^st game of at least 10 points.

As a team, EWU shot 37.5 percent (24-of64) from the field and 32.1 percent (9-of-28) from three. Both marks are season highs as well as their total of 47 rebounds.

What's Next: The Eagles stay on the road with a non-conference matchup at Utah Valley on Tuesday (Nov. 22) starting at 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

For more information on the Eastern Washington women's basketball team, follow @EWUWBB on Twitter and Instagram, or follow EWU Women's Basketball on Facebook.