By Cassandra S. Price Associate Athletic Director for Sports Communications Virginia State
ETTRICK, VA (December 31, 2022)- The VSU women’s basketball team are 6-6 on the season after ending the year 2022 with a 68-62 win over Barton College.
First Half
The Trojans opened the contest with back-to back layups by Kaylah Webb to give VSU a 4-3 lead. The Bulldogs managed to take the lead, but VSU stayed close tying the score. Barton pulled away after the media timeout, 14-9. Kalyn Ervin moved the Trojans into double digits, 14-10 with a free throw. VSU worked to take control, but the first quarter ended in favor of Barton, 23-14
Barton opened the second quarter with a shot from behind the arc and didn’t look back. Despite the Bulldogs collecting baskets, the Trojans powered back by driving to the basket and securing 3-point play.
The Trojans entered the locker room trailing the Bulldogs, 37-29
Second Half
VSU worked to gain control of the game, despite Barton extending the scoring gap. A key play by Trinity Moody jumped started the Trojans momentum. Kamani Jones stepped in with the rebound and put back followed by Ervin with a long 3-pointer. With 4:27 left in the 3rd quarter the Trojans closed the scoring gap, 44-40. The quarter came with more action as Ervin secured another shot from behind the arc, followed by Moody with a layup to get within 1 point of tying the game 48-47. Barton added gas to their game to ending the 3rd quarter, 55-47.
The Trojans battled to take control of the game in the 4th quarter. A shot from behind the arc by Blakemore gave the Trojans a 58-57 lead over the Bulldogs. The matchup was close as the game saw several ties and lead changes with under 4:00 left in regulation. The Trojans kicked their game into high gear with a lead of 64-59 with 1:27 left in game.
VSU secured a 68-62 victory over the Barton Bulldogs.
Leaders
Leading the Trojans in scoring was Trinity Moody with a season high of 18 points and 3 steals in the matchup. Sommer Blakemore was not too far behind with 17 points and 4 assists, while Kalyn Ervin collected 13 points. Equally matched on boards was Kylah Webb and Kamani Jones with 7 rebounds.
Up Next
VSU will play their first game of 2023 on Thursday, January 5! The CIAA contest will feature the VSU Trojans and the Winston-Salem State University Rams. Tip-off is set for 5:30pm at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
