CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia State University women's basketball team (2-0, 0-0 MEC) earned a decisive victory in their final MEC/PSAC Challenge contest, defeating Shepherd University (0-2, 0-0 PSAC), 96-68, at the Wherle Innovation Center on Sunday afternoon. The Yellow Jackets opened the game with a 13-0 run that set the tone for their dominant performance.

West Virginia State shot 45.6% from the field (28-of-70), including 40% from three-point range (12-of-31), and converted 65.7% of their free throws (23-of-35). The Yellow Jackets scored 46 bench points, 28 fast-break points, and 38 points off turnovers while committing 25 turnovers themselves. They tallied 22 steals, 1 block, and out-rebounded Shepherd 48-43, with 16 offensive rebounds.

Shepherd shot 33.9% from the field (20-of-59), 17.6% from three-point range (3-of-17), and 65.4% from the free-throw line (17-of-26). The Rams tallied 31 bench points, 26 points in the paint, and 21 points off turnovers but committed 37 turnovers. They finished with 10 steals, 4 blocks, and 11 offensive rebounds.

Shanley Woods led WVSU with 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc, adding four rebounds, one steal, and one assist. Emily Anthony contributed 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting while adding three steals and three assists. Latisha Parris chipped in 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting with three rebounds. Zakorrah Russell delivered 10 points, a game-high five steals, and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. Emyah Fortenberry recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, including four on the offensive glass.

For Shepherd, Lamaria Estridge paced the Rams with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, four rebounds, and two blocks. Annie Hunt added eight points, including 2-of-3 from three-point range, and pulled down four rebounds with two steals. Trinity Turner contributed seven points, six rebounds, and two steals.

The Yellow Jackets opened the game strong with a 13-0 run, forcing 12 first-quarter turnovers and scoring 10 points off those mistakes. Their aggressive defense fueled a 24-11 lead after one period. By halftime, WVSU extended their lead to 48-27, capitalizing on Shepherd's 21 first-half turnovers and shooting efficiency from beyond the arc.

West Virginia State maintained control in the second half, outscoring Shepherd 43-33. Woods and Anthony delivered key three-pointers, while Fortenberry and Russell made crucial plays on both ends. WVSU closed out the game with a 22-13 fourth-quarter margin, highlighted by fast-break points and contributions from their bench.

The Yellow Jackets will have a week to prepare for a Saturday match up in Wilberforce, Ohio when they travel to Central State University for a 1:00 p.m. contest against the Lady Mauraders.