Shippensburg University’s women’s basketball team opened their season on Friday night with a 65-42 win over visiting Fayetteville State in the Conference Challenge at Heiges Field House.

Senior Ariel Jones scored a game-high 21 points in her return to action after injury, including 14 points in the first half.

The Raiders used a 14-0 run early in the first quarter to jump out to an early lead and their defense keyed them throughout the first half. FSU only scored 11 points in the first half.

The Broncos did put up a fight in the third frame, outscoring Shippensburg 20-16, including 11 points off turnovers.

The Raiders tightened their offense up in the final quarter however and were able to pull out the 23-point win.

In addition to her 21 points, Jones finished with seven rebounds, a block, two steals and an assist. Sophomore Abbie Miller was a menace on the defensive end, drawing five offensive fouls on charges.

On Saturday, the Raiders returned to the court and got a hard-fought victory over a tough Bowie State University team.

This was a slug it out game for two teams who had just played 24 hours prior, Bowie State finished with 33 fouls and 23 turnovers and Shippensburg finished with 19 fouls and 15 turnovers.

The game was tied at 44-44 with under two minutes remaining in the game before junior Treasure George nailed a clutch three-pointer to give the Raiders the lead and ultimately the win.

It was a balanced effort that led to the win for SU as three players scored in double figures, and all but two players scored at least one point.

Jones led with 12 points, eight rebounds and three steals while George and senior Lauren Pettis each tallied 11 points. Pettis also pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds.

The Raiders were able to win despite abysmal shooting numbers: shooting seven percent from three, 52 percent from the free-throw line and just 26 percent overall.

Shippensburg will return to the floor on Wednesday when they travel to take on Jefferson University at 6 p.m.

Share