NORFOLK, VA (November 6, 2023)- The Lincoln University women's basketball team opened their 2023-24 season with an exhibition matchup against the Lady Monarchs of Old Dominion University.  The Lions managed to outscore their DI opponent in the 3^rd quarter, but the game ultimately ruled in favor of ODU 72-50.

First Half

• Despite Old Dominion taking a strong lead in the opening minutes of the contest, capitalizing off of shots from behind the arc, Lincoln paced themselves to find a grove.
• In addition to Maya Madison Walker (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bishop Loughlin) getting the Lions on the board with a free throw, Aynssa Field gave the team some push and consistency with 3-pointer and free thrown of her own.
• Battling to close the scoring gap, LU got within 3 points of tying the game at the end of the quarter with a 3-pointer by Jalessa Lanier, but ODU hit a jumper as 10:00 expired, for a score of 21-16.
• The Lions struggled to find consistency in the 2^nd quarter, being plagued with missed shots and turnovers.
• Entering the locker room at halftime, LU trialed ODU, 41-24.

Second Half

• Lincoln returned to the court ready to play in the 3^rd quarter, outscoring the Lady Monarchs.
• Jalessa Lanier tipped off the Lions scoring action at the start of the quarter as both teams displayed their offensive and defensive skills.
• The Lions overpowered ODU in each scoring category in the quarter.
• Despite their efforts of closing the scoring gap, LU still trailed at the end of the 3^rd quarter, 56-42.
• The energy of the previous quarter did not make it to the 4^th, as ODU stepped up their game to extend their lead over Lincoln.
• As the clock expired, the score ruled in favor of home team (ODU), 72-50.
• This exhibition loss for the Lions is a stepping stone for the remainder of the season as they begin their journey for the CIAA Championship!

Lion Leaders

• LU's scoring and assists were led by Ciani Montgomery (Philadelphia, Pa./West Catholic Prep) with 10 points and 6 assists.
• Controlling the boards for the Lions was D'Ayzha Atkinson (Philadelphia, Pa./Neumann-Goretti) with 6 rebounds, while Anyssa Fields (Long Branch, N.J./Long Branch) was in the right place at the right time with 4 steals and 9 points for LU.

Up Next
The Lions will officially open their 2023-24 season at the Atlantic Region Challenge hosted by Virginia State University on November 11-12. Tip-off on Saturday, November 11 against Davis & Elkins is set for 1pm, followed by a 3pm tip-off against Shepherd on Sunday November 12. The matchups will take place at the VSU Multipurpose Center in Ettrick, VA.

Stay Connected
For the most up-to-date information on LU Women's Basketball visit www.lulions.com, follow Lincoln U Athletics on Twitter (@LUL1onsAthletic), Instagram (LUl1onsathletic) and Facebook (Lincoln University Lions Athletics).