PHILADELPHIA (12/29/01) - Senior Susan Moran led five Hawk players in double-figures with 25, as the Saint Joseph's University women's basketball team cruised past Richmond in their Atlantic 10 Conference opener, 87-66, at Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse. The victory improved SJU's record to 10-2 overall, 1-0 in the A-10, and extended the team's winning streak to seven games. The Spiders slipped to 6-9, 0-2 in conference play. SJU thoroughly dominated the A-10's newest member, pushing out to a 20-point advantage midway through the first half and coasting the rest of the way. "Our defense set the tone in the first half," assessed Hawk head coach Cindy Anderson-Griffin. "I thought that we did a good job rebounding and really making them earn every shot that they got. Richmond never gave up. I think it was a good test for us." The Spiders actually held a brief two-point advantage (6-4) early in the first half, but a 23-2 Hawk run over a seven minute stretch midway through the period put the Crimson and Gray in control. Moran was the focal point of the Hawk spurt scoring all 15 of her first half points during the run. SJU eventually pushed its advantage out to 20-points and led at intermission by 24, 46-22. Sophomore Amra Mehmedic also contributed dropping in 11 of her 19 points before the break. She was 3-4 from beyond the arc in the half. The Hawk lead only dipped under 20 briedly in the second stanza. SJU's largest advantage was 28 points (66-38) with 12:07 left to play. In addition to Moran and Mehmedic sophomore Stephanie Graff (10 pts.), senior Jane Meade (10 pts.) and junior Colleen McGahan (11 pts.) also finished in double-figures. Moran also had 10 rebounds in the game to earn her sixth double-double of the season. The Hawks outshot the Spiders from the field, connecting on 51.7% of their shots to just 37.5% for the visitors. SJU was also sharp from three-point range knocking down 10-20 from the perimeter. The day began earlier than usual for the Hawks, as the team held its annual alumnae game prior to the contest. The alumnae tipped off at 11:30. "The win was a great end to a great day. A lot of old faces were here," said Anderson-Griffin. "It was great to see everyone. I think that everyone is happy and they'll come back and support our program." Next up for the Hawks is a trip to Amherst Mass. to face the Minutewomen on Tuesday, January 8. The Crimson and Gray will then return home on Friday for a noontime matinee against Duquesne. A capacity crowd will be in attendance that afternoon, as SJU hosts its third annual "Fieldtrip to the Fieldhouse."