Box Score Despite shooting 35% from the field, the Trojans remained competitive in a 67-62 loss in their first CIAA conference game of the season to Saint Augustine's University on Thursday, January 3^rd in Petersburg, VA. Three Trojans reached double-figures led by Lamesha Deal's 16 points, Ashley Whitaker's 15 points, and Alexandria Massado's 12 points.

The Trojans had a tough night against the Lady Falcons trailing for majority of the game. VSU jumped out to a quick five point lead (10-5) at the 15:33 mark in the first half on two made free-throws by Lamesha Deal. The Lady Falcons quickly answered back with a 6-0 run of their own claiming the lead over the Trojans. VSU forced 17 turnovers in the first half but had a hard time finding consistent offense shooting 30% from the field. Alexandria Massado led the Trojans with seven points and four rebounds in the first half, but VSU trailed St. Aug's 36-28 at the half.

In the second half, Ashley Whitaker and Lamesha Deal paced the Trojans attempt at a comeback scoring 11 points and 10 points respectively. The Lady Falcons knocked down seven shots from three-point range holding on to a slim lead over VSU. The lead never reached double-figures as the Trojans continued to fight their way back into the game. VSU trailed by nine points (61-52) with 4:49 left to play in the game as St. Aug's opened up their biggest lead of the game.  

The Trojans outscored the Lady Falcons 34-31 in the second half but could not score enough to make up for their first half miscues. VSU fell 67-62 to Saint Augustine's falling to (7-4, 0-1).

The trio of Lamesha Deal, Alexandria Massado, and Ashley Whitaker carried the Trojans. Deal had a game-high 16 points with 6 rebounds. Massado had 12 points with 8 rebounds. Whitaker scored 15 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out four assists.

VSU will host Fayetteville State in their next game at home on Saturday, January 5^th at 3:30 p.m.