ETTRICK, VA – Virginia State women's basketball team dropped the first of two matchups against Shaw, 52-47, Wednesday night. The Trojans struggled offensively shooting 31% from the field and 23% from three-point range. The home squad was outrebounded 50-33 in the contest. The loss drops the Trojans conference record down to 5-3 on the season. 
 

For the second time this season, Shayla Sweeney led the game in points with 14 along with six rebounds. Sweeney also led the squad with a 60% field goal percentage. Natalia Leaks scored double-digits for the sixth game in a row as she finished with 12 points, six rebounds and four dimes on the evening. While Sommer Blakemore only finished with seven points thanks to two early three-pointers, she was able to post four steals on the defensive end along with four assists on offense. Kaaliya Williams contributed six points and six rebounds as well. The Trojans forced 20 turnovers in the contest while accounting for six steals. VSU was able to make their defense work as their offense as they scored 16 points off turnovers.
 

How It Happened

• The Trojans got off to yet another slow start allowing the Lady Bears to score the first nine points of the game. VSU would then combat the Lady Bear run with a 7-0 run of their own to make the score 9-7 with 5:28 left in the first quarter.

 

• Sommer Blakemore hit her second three-pointer of the quarter to help the Trojans keep it close with the score at, 16-14, with the Lady Bears in front at the conclusion of the first quarter.

 

• J'Auana Robinson checked into the game for the first time and immediately hit a three-pointer to start the second quarter. While VSU was able to make it a one-possession game at, 23-21 with 4:29 left in the half, two costly turnovers deterred the Trojans from taking the lead.

 

• The Lady Bears finished the half with a 9-3 run to extend their lead to 32-25.

 
 
 

• Shayla Sweeney led the team with seven points shooting 3-of-5 from the field. Natalia Leaks finished the half with five points along with a team-high four rebounds. Sommer Blakemore got her evening started with two three-pointers in the first quarter, which gave her six points along with three steals. The Trojans forced 11 turnovers in the first half of play.

 

 

• Known to be a second half team; the Trojans scored the first four points of the third quarter. VSU was able to lessen the lead to just three points at, 34-31, with 4:42 left to go in the third quarter.

 

• The Trojans were able to take a 1-point lead following a three-pointer from Valerie Samuel. VSU cut the Lady Bears lead to just two points heading into the final quarter with the score at 39-37.

 

• Through the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, the Lady Bears outscored the Trojans, 8-2, to bring the score to 47-39 with 4:14 left to go.

 

• Turnovers and missed opportunities on good looks at the rim lead to the demise of the Trojans as the Lady Bears were able to take the victory 52-47.

 
 
Inside the Box Score

• The Trojans kept the Lady Bears to under 40% from the field and the three-point line.

 

• VSU forced 20 turnovers and accounted for six steals.

 

• The squad did a great job moving the ball around as they racked up 15 assists as a team.

 

• VSU allowed the Lady Bears shoot only three shots from beyond the arc.

 
 
Up Next

The Trojans will have a quick turnaround as they have a matchup set for Saturday, January 22 at Elizabeth City State University. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m.