SHEPHERDTOWN, WV (November 8, 2019)- The VSU Trojans women's basketball team fell short of a close win to the University of Pitts-Johnstown (UPJ) at the PSAC v. CIAA Conference Challenge with a score of 72-68.

The Trojans currently hold 0-1 season record, while the UPJ Mountain Cats are 1-0 on the season.

First Half
Despite the Mountain Cats taking a large lead to open the game, the Trojans made it a team effort to get on the board. At the end of the first quarter, VSU trailed 22-10.

Bianca White started the second quarter with a shot from behind the arc to jump start the Trojans momentum. VSU worked to close the scoring gap with the help of Autumn Hopson who gave the Trojans 8 points in the half.

The Trojans efforts of closing the gap were seen, as they entered the locker room at halftime, with a trailing score of 34-27.

Second Half
A collaborative team effort in the third quarter put the Trojans within scoring range of taking the lead over UPJ. At the end of 3, VSU trailed by 3 with a score of 53-50.

The Trojans gained their footing in the final quarter of the matchup, tying the score 3 times. Unfortunately, several missed shots did not allow VSU to jump ahead, causing them to fall with a final score of 72-68.

The half ruled in favor of the Trojans as they gained 20 of their 29 bench points in the 3^rd and 4^th quarters. VSU also dominated with 19 of their 30 points off of turnovers being made during the half.

Leaders
Autumn Hopson led the Trojans scoring with 15 points, while Brianna Jones also secured double digit scoring with 10 points. Chiqueria Cook controlled VSU's boards with 6 rebounds.

Up Next
The Trojans will take on the challenge host, the Rams of Shepherd University on November 9 for day 2 of the PSAC v. CIAA Conference Challenge. Tip-off is set for 2pm.

Stay Connected
For the most up-to-date information on VSU women's basketball, please visit www.govsutrojans.com, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports and on Instagram VSUtrojans_1882.