ELIZABETH CITY, NC- The Vikings went down swinging in a tough 66-64 season opener loss to Gannon University in the R.L Vaughan Center on Friday, November 8th.
 
Senior Devona Stell led the charge for the Vikings on both ends of the floor recording a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore Asia Deal matched Stell with 14 points on the night for ECSU.
 
The Golden Knights were offensively led by Tori Obenrader who recorded 27 points and seven rebounds.
 
 
ECSU shot 41.1 percent from the field, 40 percent from behind the arc, and 76.9% at the line. 
 
Gannon shot 44.6% from the field, 13.3% from behind the arc, and 66.7% at the line.
 
"Tough opening night loss to a very good and well coached Gannon ballclub," shared Head Coach Antonio Davis. "I was pleased with our effort; however, Gannon did a better job of executing down the stretch on both ends of the court. We must learn from this defeat and continue to improve and get better. We look forward to playing Slippery Rock University tomorrow night."
 
The Vikings controlled the game in the first half. Their largest lead of the night came at the 4:57 mark in the second quarter up by 14 points, but Gannon was able to outscore the Vikings 36-27 in the second half to take a late lead. 
 
Showing their poise and power the Vikings continued to fight and a basket from sophomore Kamille Pickens made it a one possession game 66-64 GSU with 15 seconds left on the clock, but that Vikings were not able to get off another shot.  
 
The Vikings will be back in action tomorrow at 8 p.m. in the R.L. Vaughan Center to take on Slippery Rock University for Day 2 of the PSAC/CIAA Challenge.