RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — The Richmond Spiders used a dominant first quarter to cruise past the Rhode Island Rams 72-46 in an Atlantic 10 women’s basketball game Wednesday night at Robins Center.

Richmond seized control with a 27-9 opening period and never looked back before a crowd of 1,944. Alicia Newell led the Spiders with 20 points. Ally Sweeney added 11 points and seven assists, while Maggie Doogan contributed 13 points and six assists.

The Rams, who entered the game with a 24-4 record, struggled offensively throughout. Rhode Island’s six-point fourth quarter sealed the lopsided defeat. The victory avenged Richmond’s loss at Rhode Island on Dec. 30 and improved the Spiders to 24-6 this season.