ETTRICK, Va. – Virginia State jumped out to an early lead and never looked back to take a 66-44 victory over Benedict College in the opening game of the CIAA/SIAC Challenge tournament on Friday night at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
 
The Lady Tigers opened the game with a 3-pointer by Taylor Christmas. Virginia State then scored the next 13 points. The Trojans closed out the first quarter with a 3-pointer for a 23-12 lead. They started the second quarter with the first 12 points to build the lead to 35-12 and took a 39-20 lead at the half. Virginia State outscored Benedict 27-24 in the second half.
 
Leila Henderson led the Lady Tigers with 10 points. Jasmine Gholson added nine points.
 
Benedict committed 25 turnovers and Virginia State, now 2-2, had a 32-12 advantage in points off turnovers.
 
The Lady Tigers, now 2-1, will face Virginia Union on Saturday at 2 p.m.