ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. -- Elizabeth City State women's basketball fell 56–49 to Shaw in a physical CIAA matchup at the R.L. Vaughan Center on December 9. The Vikings opened the game strong, taking a 19–16 lead after the first quarter behind aggressive play on the glass and early scoring from their guards. But the momentum shifted in the second period, as ECSU struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting just 2-for-13 from the field while Shaw surged ahead to take a 33–25 halftime advantage.

Despite the Vikings' efforts to claw back, Shaw's balanced scoring and timely shot-making kept them in control throughout the second half. ECSU continued to fight, especially on the boards, finishing with 37 rebounds and generating 19 points off turnovers, but cold shooting proved too much to overcome as the Vikings hit only 20.7 percent of their attempts from the floor.

Tionna Pettus led ECSU with a double-double effort, recording 10 points and 11 rebounds while going 6-for-10 at the free-throw line. Alexis Staton added six points and five rebounds, while Jada Clark contributed five points and three assists. Off the bench, Kailyn Young and Laniya Scales provided a spark, combining for 13 points and hitting three of the team's five threes.

Shaw was paced by D'Ayzha Atkinson's standout performance, a game-high 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including four made threes. The Bears' rebounding advantage and late defensive stands allowed them to maintain their lead through the fourth quarter.

ECSU showed grit throughout but couldn't overcome the offensive droughts, dropping to 2–5 on the season and 0–2 in CIAA play. The Lady Vikings host Claflin back in the R.L. Vaughan Center on Dec. 15th.