By: James Scott, VSU Sports Information

The Lady Trojans led the entire way holding Virginia Union's offense to 28% shooting in a 60-41 win for Virginia State on Saturday, February 11 in Ettrick, VA. Virginia State's bench outscored Virginia Union's bench 32-23 led by Da'Shae Jones (freshman/ Norfolk, VA) and Marquilla Evans (senior/ Portsmouth, VA); both scoring 12 points each.

The Lady Trojans pounced on the Lady Panthers early, beginning the game on a 13-1 run. The backcourt duo of guards Marquilla Evans and Da'Shae Jones provided a spark off the bench combining for 13 first half points. They directed the Lady Trojans to a 12-6 run, building their largest lead of the first half (30-17).

The Lady Trojans kicked off the second half on a 10-1 run (40-18). The Lady Trojans were in their zone the entire night on both offensive and defense ends, forcing turnovers and gaining quality shots on every possession down the court.

The Lady Trojans played lock down defense the entire game creating 11 steals and blocking 4 shots. VUU became stone walled by VSU's defensive as they shot a miserable 27% for the game making only 16 of 58 shot attempts. The Lady Trojans dominated their cross town rivals 60-41.

“I preach everyday about playing at a high level, I want everybody to play at that level no matter who we are up against. I feel like that was the big adjustment for us tonight,” states head women's coach James Hill, Jr. “I feel like that was the big adjustment for us tonight, we didn't play at their level, we played at out level.”

VSU outscored VUU's bench 32-23. Leading the way was guard Marquilla Evans with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assist. Guard Da'Shae Jones matched her by also scoring 12 points of her own. LaMesha Deal (sophomore/Norfolk, VA) grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds (6 offensive) and added 7 points.

The Lady Trojans will return to action in Daniel Gymnasium on Monday, February 13 hosting the visiting Lady Vikings of Elizabeth City State University at 5: 30 p.m.