ETTRICK, Va. – The Virginia State University women's basketball team secured a victory in its season-opener against Slippery Rock University, 82-55 last night.

Virginia State received strong performances from four Trojans senior guard Alexis Smith, senior forward Dionna Marcus, senior guard Endia McKinney and senior guard Keyana Brown.

Leading the way for VSU was senior guard Alexis Smith (Lusby, Md.) who had 18 points, four rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 28 minutes on the floor. Senior forward Dionna Marcus (Fort Stewart, Ga.) contributed 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, and three steals in 25 minutes on the floor. Endia McKinney (Norfolk, Va.) collected 12 points, two rebounds, six assists, and two steals in her performance. Brown (Williamsburg, Va.) added 13 points, one rebound, one assist, and two steals in 29 minutes on the floor. Defensively the Trojans were led by Chrisanna Green (Jamestown, NY) who secured 18 rebounds for the Trojans.

Virginia State jumped out to a commanding 13-2 lead through the opening four minutes of the first quarter. Slippery Rock answered with starting the second period, by scoring 16 of the next 25 points to cut the Trojans' lead down to just 22-18 with 7:57 remaining in the opening half. Johnson scored seven points over the run.
 
Virginia State concluded the opening half by holding The Rock to just five points over the final five minute of the second quarter, while scoring 17 points of its own to take a 12-point advantage (39-27) into the halftime break.
 
Slippery Rock was never able to overcome Virginia State's halftime lead as the Trojans stretched its advantage out to as many as 28 points in the second half, which led to VSU's 82-55 victory.
 
Virginia State finished the contest with shooting 42.2 percent (27-for-64) from the field overall, 33.3 percent (11-for-33) from 3-point range and 63 percent (17-for-27) from the free throw line. Virginia State held advantages over The Rock in rebounds (51-40), points off turnovers (16-14) and bench points (24-10). 

The Trojans will return to action as they face the Seton Hill University on day two of the CIAA-PSAC Challenge. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m.