Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 LINCOLN, Pa.- The Virginia State University women's basketball team, under the leadership of head coach James Hill, Jr. tipped-off their 2016-17 season on the rod for the CIAA vs. PSAC Challenge. The Trojans split the event securing a 62-51 win over Gannon on November 11 and falling short to Millersville, 75-62, on November 12.

On the opening day against Gannon, the Trojans were led by senior Nandi Taylor, who single handedly secured 28 points. Senior transfer Taylor Daniels lead the team with 5 rebounds while senior Domonique Hagins snatch a team high of 4 steals.

Despite Gannon opening the game with shot from behind the arc, VSU quickly took a 9-3 lead with foul shots and layups by Taylor and a solid 3 pointer by senior Joy Hickman. The Trojans worked the court holding tight to their lead. Junior transfer Mia Fitts gave VSU a last second shot from behind the arc to close out the first quarter with VSU leading, 16-11.

The Trojans played off of Gannon's inconsistency, as Taylor was in place to secure several valuable buckets to help extend the lead, 23-17, in the second quarter. VSU relied heavy on defense, only allowing Gannon to score 3 points within a 5:30 time frame. The Trojans finished the half with a 35-20 lead.

Gannon attempted to bounce back early in the third quarter, but was shut down after junior Endia McKinney delivery a shot from behind the arc. With a strong lead over Gannon, McKinney would mimic her earlier play to help extend the Trojans to a 47-35 lead to end the third quarter.

Dominating the court with no hesitation, VSU maintained the lead. In the final minutes of the game, Gannon's defense continuously sent the Trojans to the line to secure additional baskets. The Trojans eventually took the 62-51 win.

Virginia State ended the night shooting 35.1 percent (20-57) from the field, 29.2 percent (7-24) from behind the arc, and 55.6 percent (15-27) at the line, while Gannon shot for 44.2 percent (19-43) from the field, 20.0 percent (2-10) from behind the arc, and 73.3percent (11-15) at the line.

On day 2 of the CIAA vs. PSAC Challenge, VSU fell short to Millersville, 75-62.

Nandi Taylor to the helm of the game, scoring 25 points over Millersville. Sophomore transfer Taylor Burns and senior Imani Holloway each tallied 6 rebounds while senior transfer Ashante Doby snatched 3 steals.

Millersville got an early lead on the Trojans, as VSU worked to recover from several missed shots. At the end of the 1^st quarter, VSU trailed 21-16.

The Trojans worked hard to regroup in the second quarter, but Millersville's defense stepped in to secure the rebounds. Going into halftime, the score was 40-30, VSU trailing.

For the remaining half, VSU worked to gain control of the game but were unsuccessful.

Virginia State ended the night shooting 39.3 percent (24-61) from the field, 27.8 percent (5-18) from behind the arc, and 37.5 percent (9-24) at the line, while Millersville shot for 50.0 percent (27-54) from the field, 50.0 percent (6-12) from behind the arc, and 60.0 percent (15-25) at the line.

The Trojans will return to the court for a road game against the Builders of the Newport News Apprentice School on November 17. Game time is set for 5:30pm.

For more information on VSU Trojans women's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.