ETTRICK, VA (January 25, 2020) - After a close game, the VSU women's basketball team lose in a final second battle against the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University with a score of 61-60.
 
The loss moves the Trojans to an 8-13 overall record, 4-5 in the CIAA.
 
First Quarter
It was a slow start to the game as the Trojans trailed 10-4 at the 3 minute mark. Tajah Clark jump started the Trojans momentum with a shot from behind the arc and a foul, sending her to the line.  Brianna Jones would soon chip in with a shot for the Trojans, closing the scoring gap. VSU continued to hustle for the remainder of the quarter with a score of 12-9.

Second Quarter
VSU took advantage of the Vikings inconsistent pace, allowing Natalia Leaks a path to the basket. Despite ECSU extending their lead, VSU kept the visitors on their toes with rebounds and steals. At the first charged timeout of the quarter the Trojans trailed 23-13. Bianca White, Jones and Leaks added points in the books to close the gap, sending VSU to the locker room with a halftime score of 23-20.

Third Quarter
The Trojans enter the half ready to battle back with a shot by Jordan Miller. Leaks stepped in to give VSU their first lead of the game with a score of 25-23. Despite the Vikings answering back to tie the game 25-all, Autumn Hopson secured a shot from behind the arc to take a 28-25 lead. The lead changes continued as ECSU went to the line to bring the score up 28-all, then to eventually take the lead 31-28 lead.

A slight run from the Vikings did not keep the Trojans down.  VSU battled to regain control with Jones tying the game 34-all. The continuous lead change continued as the Trojans worked the court. The court ended with a score of 43-38.

Fourth Quarter
Miller drove in for a 3-point play attempt to open the final quarter, 45-40, in favor of the visitors. Shalyn Washington broke the Vikings scoring run with a shot from behind the arc to bring the score up 49-43. Washington would soon return to the arc to keep the Trojans in the game.

Chiqueria Cook forced her way to the basket, picking up the pace for the Trojans. Bianca White followed up with a shot from the perimeter to close the scoring gap 54-50.

The final minutes were critical after Leaks secured a shot to bring the score up, 56-53.

With the score 61-55, White brought the crowd to their feet with a 3-pointer. A jumper by Leaks left the Trojans trailing, 61-60 with 30 seconds left in regulation.

An alternate possession put the ball in the Trojans court with 18.3 left on the clock, but they were not able to seal the win. The Trojans were close, but fell short of a victory, 61-60.
 
Leaders
Natalia Leaks controlled the court for VSU with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists.
 
 
Up Next
The VSU women's basketball team will travel to Lincoln, PA to take on the Lions of Lincoln University on January 27. Tipoff is set for 5:30pm.
 
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.