PRINCESS ANNE, MD – Cold-shooting South Carolina State suffered its worst defeat of the season in Mid-Eastern Athletic play Saturday, losing 63-43 at Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday at Hychte Athletic Center.

Coach Audra Smith's team connected on just 28.1 percent (16-57) of its shots from the field in falling to 10-11 on the season and 3-4 in the MEAC.

Kemoni Jenkins was the only Lady Bulldog in double figures, nabbing 10 points. Taylor Brown added eight points and a team-high seven rebounds, while Dashanique Peterson came off the bench for six points and four boards in the loss. Jaquanna Murray also had four points to go along with six rebounds.

"We had a real tough time shooting the ball and just didn't come to play," Smith said. "We appeared to be pre-occupied from the start.

"Maryland Eastern Shore controlled the game from the outset and was tough to defend. We gave up the drive and they also had some good shooters," she continued. "But, we knew coming in that we would have to defend and cover their shooters.

"We had a good second quarter, which we won by one point but they are a good team and have a lot of weapons and pulled away in the second half."

The host Lady Hawks were led by Ciani Byrom with 13 points and 12 assists. Ra'Jean added 12 points and Bairesha Gill-Miles 10 and a game-high 13 rebounds. UMES owned a 43-36 edge on the boards. The Lady Hawks improved to 12-10 and 8-1 in the league.

The Lady Bulldogs' struggles from the field began in the first period when they had just two baskets and five points in a period in which they were outscored 15-5.  Overall it was a dismal first half for SC State which made just 25 percent (7-28) of its shots in falling behind 25-16 at the break.

SC State's shooting woes continued in the second when the Lady Hawks pulled away, handing the visitors their worst league loss of the campaign.

The Lady Bulldogs will have a short turnaround to work things out as they will continue a two-game league road trip Monday at Delaware State in a MEAC doubleheader beginning at 5:30 p.m.
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