Virginia State Women's Basketball Triumphs Over Bloomsburg in Season Opener
Indiana, PA – The Virginia State University Women's Basketball team kicked off its 2024-25 season in thrilling fashion, securing a 54-50 victory over Bloomsburg University on November 9, 2024, at the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex in Indiana, PA. The win was a testament to the Trojans' resilience, defensive prowess, and timely scoring, particularly in the fourth quarter.
From the jump, the game was fast-paced, with both teams eager to set the tone. Virginia State's Mihjae Hayes wasted no time getting the Trojans on the board with a layup in the paint. The Trojans' aggressive defense, led by Anii Harris and Carmen Kweti, was evident early on, as they forced turnovers and disrupted Bloomsburg's offensive sets. Bloomsburg, however, was quick to respond with solid defense of its own, and despite struggling to finish on offense early, they remained within striking distance thanks to Katelin Starr's sharpshooting.
As the first half unfolded, Virginia State began to assert control. Despite missed opportunities, including some point-blank layups that failed to convert, Kweti and Harris kept the Trojans in the game with their defensive efforts and timely scoring. Bloomsburg's defense, spearheaded by Starr and Ava Stevenson, kept the game close, but the Huskies struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm as Virginia State's defense forced multiple turnovers.
At the start of the second half, both teams rotated fresh legs into the lineup, and Virginia State quickly made its presence felt. Anii Harris converted two free throws to give the Trojans a 30-24 lead, and the momentum seemed to shift in their favor. Mihjae Hayes, a consistent scoring threat for Virginia State, continued to produce in the paint and from the free-throw line. Despite a couple of missed layups by Virginia State and turnovers that kept Bloomsburg hanging around, the Trojans' defense stifled the Huskies, and the game was tied 39-39 heading into the final quarter.
Carmen Kweti came up big for the Trojans in the fourth quarter, opening with a layup that gave Virginia State a 41-39 lead. However, turnovers became a critical factor as both teams struggled to control possession. The game became a battle of missed opportunities, with each team trading mistakes. Fortunately for Virginia State, Kweti and Skylar White dominated the boards down the stretch, securing critical rebounds and providing second-chance opportunities.
As the clock wound down, Virginia State's defense tightened, and the Trojans capitalized on Bloomsburg's turnovers in the final minutes. Mihjae Hayes hit key free throws to extend the lead, and despite some late-game pressure from Katelin Starr and Ava Stevenson, the Trojans held on for the victory.
What's Next
The Virginia State Women's Basketball team will continue their play in the IUP Tournament tomorrow, November 10, 2024, when they face off against Indiana University of Pennsylvania at 2:00 PM.
