WILLIAMSON, W.Va. – Eighth-ranked University of Rio Grande jumped out to a 22-10 lead after one period and survived a game effort by the University of Pikeville to win 86-74 Saturday afternoon.
 
The game between the longtime rivals was played at the historic Williamson Field House.
 
Junior Rachel Bush scored the game's first basket for the Bears before the Red Storm scored the next 11 points. Rio Grande never trailed again.
 
Rio Grande led 48-28 at the half but UPike outscored the Red Storm 46-39 in the second 20 minutes to keep the game competitive.
 
Junior forward Sophia Kline led the Red Storm with 16 points and 17 rebounds. She also had three assists, three steals and three blocked shots.
 
Rio Grande (10-1) placed three players in double figures, led by senior Marlee Grinstead with 19. She also had eight rebounds and six assists. Sophomore guard Payton Johnson followed with 11 points.
 
UPike (7-6) had three reach double figures as well, paced by freshman guard Anika Stehbens with 22 points. She also led the Bears with four assists.
 
Freshmen Sophia Adkins and Kyra McAlarnis came off the bench with 12 points each. Adkins added nine rebounds.
 
UPike was led on the boards by senior Jaidy Mejia-Andrade with 11, six of them off the offensive glass.
 
The Bears will return to the court on Monday, Dec. 29 when they travel to University Park, Ill., where they will play Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University. Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m.