RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — The Richmond Spiders used a dominant first quarter to cruise past the VCU Rams 77-47 in an Atlantic 10 women’s basketball game Sunday at Robins Center. Richmond seized control immediately, outscoring VCU 32-9 in the opening period and never looked back before a crowd of 5,224. Maggie Doogan led the Spiders with 14 points and seven rebounds. Rachel Ullstrom added a game-high 20 points. Cyriah Griffin scored 15 points for VCU, which struggled offensively throughout. The Spiders improved to 16-4 overall, while the Rams fell to 6-13. Richmond next plays at George Mason on Jan. 25, while VCU hosts George Washington on Jan. 21.

RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — The Richmond Spiders delivered a dominant opening statement and never looked back, overwhelming crosstown rival VCU 77-47 in an Atlantic 10 women’s basketball game Sunday at a sold-out Robins Center. A near-capacity crowd of 5,224 watched the Spiders (16-4, 4-1 A-10) seize control with a blistering first-quarter offensive display, building a 23-point lead that the visiting Rams (6-13, 2-3) could never meaningfully challenge. Richmond’s 32-point first quarter, fueled by a relentless defensive effort and efficient outside shooting, effectively decided the contest before the first period was complete. The game’s most pivotal sequence unfolded in the opening minutes. After VCU’s Lucia Sotelo Miguez scored the game’s first basket, Richmond answered with a 25-3 run over the next seven and a half minutes. The Spiders’ defense was the catalyst, forcing five VCU turnovers during the stretch and converting them into easy scoring opportunities. Rachel Ullstrom of Auburn, Massachusetts, ignited the run with a 3-pointer and scored nine of her game-high 20 points in the first quarter. Ally Sweeney of Sparta, New Jersey, orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out six of her game-high 15 assists in the opening period. The Spiders connected on five of their 13 3-pointers in the game during the first-quarter barrage, with Maggie Doogan, Tierra Simon and Sam Dewey all hitting from deep. VCU, which managed only nine points in the first quarter, struggled with Richmond’s defensive pressure all afternoon. The Rams committed 21 turnovers, which the Spiders converted into 23 points. Offensively, VCU shot just 32.8% from the field and 20% from 3-point range, posting an offensive rating of 62.4 points per 100 possessions. Richmond, by contrast, operated efficiently, shooting 48.4% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc for an offensive rating of 102.2. The Spiders also shared the ball effectively, tallying 15 assists on 30 made field goals. Doogan, a 6-foot-2 forward from Broomall, Pennsylvania, was the linchpin for Richmond. The team’s top star finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block in 26 minutes, impacting the game on both ends. Her recent run of strong performances continued, providing a steadying presence inside. Ullstrom’s 20 points came on 8-of-14 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Sweeney’s all-around line included 12 points, five rebounds and her 15 assists. VCU was led by Cyriah Griffin of Virginia Beach, Virginia, who scored 15 points. Lucy Ghaifan of Grand Island, Nebraska, contributed six rebounds off the bench for the Rams. The Spiders’ lead ballooned to as many as 32 points in the second half. While VCU showed brief flashes of resistance, cutting the deficit to 17 late in the second quarter, Richmond promptly answered with a 9-2 spurt to close the half and reasserted control in the third quarter. The victory solidifies Richmond’s position near the top of the conference standings and extends their home winning streak. The Spiders, who entered the game with a 97.6% probability to win according to National Statistical’s ELO system, validated that projection with a comprehensive performance. VCU, mired in a difficult season, saw its offensive struggles reach a nadir, recording its second-lowest point total of the year. Richmond next travels to face George Mason on Jan. 25. VCU returns home to host George Washington on Jan. 21.

Preview: VCU Rams at Richmond Spiders RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Sunday when the Richmond Spiders host crosstown rival VCU in a women’s basketball game at the Robins Center. The Spiders (15-4) enter as one of the Atlantic 10’s hottest teams, having won five of their last six games. Their most recent outing was an emphatic 85-67 road victory at Dayton on Wednesday, fueled by a 19-point, 13-assist double-double from standout guard Ally Sweeney. VCU (6-12) seeks to halt a two-game skid after a low-scoring 46-41 home loss to Rhode Island on the same night. The Rams have struggled for consistency but are 2-2 in their last four conference games. Sweeney is the engine for Richmond, averaging 17.2 points and 6.8 assists over her last five contests. Her backcourt running mate, Rachel Ullstrom, is coming off a 26-point performance against Dayton. The Rams will counter with forward Makennah White, who has scored in double figures in five consecutive games, including a team-high 12 points in the loss to Rhode Island. Guard Cyriah Griffin and facilitator Laia Crespin Pastor will also be key for VCU. Richmond won the first meeting last season, 72-54. The Spiders’ high-powered offense, averaging 77.2 points per game, will test a VCU defense that has held three of its last four opponents under 55 points. Tipoff is set for Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Richmond next visits George Mason on Jan. 25. VCU hosts George Washington on Jan. 21.