In their first game of the 2026 calendar year, the Virginia State Trojans women’s basketball team put together a dominant third quarter on their way to a 74-53 win over Emory & Henry.
The win is the Lady Trojans’ seventh in their last eight games (second straight win), improving to 8-3 overall after what was their last non-conference contest of the season.
The Virginia State bench played a prominent role in the win, accounting for 51 of the team’s 74 points.
Maya Ellis led Virginia State with 18 points on 6/7 shooting, connecting on five three-point baskets. She also grabbed nine rebounds and snatched five steals.
Kendahl Spearman chipped in 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting while Skylar White and Tamia Darden (only starter in double figures) each scored 10 points.
Emory & Henry started the game hot, hitting four of its first six shots to take an 11-2 lead within the game’s first four minutes.
However, the Trojans’ defense allowed for them to keep the game close, forcing four turnovers over the next two minutes, leading to a 7-0 run.
The game would stay close for the remainder of the first half with Emory & Henry leading 37-33 at the break.
It was in the third quarter that Virginia State took complete control of the game, outscoring Emory & Henry 27-0 to take a 60-37 into the fourth quarter.
The Trojans scored 17 of their 27 points off 11 forced turnovers, while shooting 58% from the field on offense in the period.
Virginia State would lead by as many as 27 points on its way to victory. They will dip back into conference play on January 8 when they begin a three-game road trip against Livingstone.
