Ettrick, VA- The Virginia State University women's basketball team suffered a 64-55 loss to the Hawks of Chowan University on January 18.

The loss moves the Trojans to an 11-6 overall record, 3-4 in the conference.

Senior Nandi Taylor not only led the charge for the Trojans offensively but was the game leading scorer, recording 24 points. Senior Taylor Daniels led the defensive effort for VSU, securing 11 rebounds.

The Hawks were offensively led by Jordan Payne who recorded 19 points. Payne and Dhyamond Crenshaw each secured nine rebounds for the Hawks.

Both teams exchanged baskets in the first quarter; but back to back threes from junior Mia Fitts highlighted an 8-0 run for VSU, giving the Trojans a 14-9 lead. That lead was short lived as the Hawks ended the first quarter with a narrow 18-16 advantage.

The second quarter mimicked the first and the Trojans trailed the Hawks by 4 points at the half (30-26).

CU outscored VSU, 24-9, in the third quarter, but the Trojans continued to fight. With 7:25 remaining in the fourth quarter a layup by senior Tierra Richberg sparked a 10-0 run for the Trojans, but it would not be enough to recover from such a large third quarter deficit.

VSU ended the night shooting 37.7% (20-53) from the field, 15% (3-20) from behind the arc, and 57.1% (12-21) at the line, while CU ended the game shooting 37.7% (23-61) from the field, 23.5% (4-17) from behind the arc, and 73.7% (14-19) at the line.

The Trojans will work hard to prepare for the 2017 CIAA Basketball Tournament on February 21-25 in Charlotte. NC.

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