RICHMOND, VA – The Chowan University women's basketball team traveled to Virginia Union University on Monday evening to officially open the 2026-27 season. The Hawks came away with their first win of the season, defeating their former CIAA opponent 61-56 following a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final buzzer.
Chowan took the first quarter, 12-8, after putting together a 7-0 run midway through the period. The Hawks added 10 more points in the second quarter, with contributions from Jordyn Adderly, Alexandria James-Fearon, and Daneesha Briggs. However, the Panthers responded with 16 points of their own to take a 26-22 lead into halftime.
Virginia Union carried that momentum into the third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 23-13. Chowan, however, had an answer in the final period. The Hawks opened the fourth quarter with a 5-0 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Briggs. She would knock down another three-pointer two possessions later as Chowan continued to close the gap, trailing by just six. Adderly then made four trips to the free-throw line, converting six of her eight attempts. Her fourth and fifth consecutive free throws gave the Hawks a one-point advantage, 55-54. The Panthers managed just two additional points in the final quarter, while Wisdom Banks connected on two free throws to help secure the 61-56 season-opening victory.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Chowan 61, Virginia Union 56
Records: Chowan (1-0), Virginia Union (0-1)
Location: Richmond, Va. (Barco-Stevens Hall)
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Adderly led the Hawks with 17 points, shooting 13-of-16 from the free-throw line and 2-of-4 from the field. The sophomore also made an impact defensively, forcing two turnovers that led to Chowan points. James-Fearon finished the evening with 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field, including a three-pointer. She also grabbed three rebounds and recorded a steal.
Briggs and Muhammad each contributed nine points. Briggs did her damage from beyond the arc, knocking down three of her six attempts, while Muhammad shot 4-of-6 from the field and connected on her lone three-point attempt. Muhammad also dished out three assists and collected five rebounds to contribute on both ends of the floor. Keilana Johnson added five points, while Banks chipped in four points and an assist.
As a team, the Hawks shot 46.2 percent from three-point range (6-of-13) and 67.7 percent from the free-throw line (21-of-31). Chowan also collected 23 rebounds, dished out 12 assists, and recorded five steals.
UP NEXT
The Hawks continue non-conference play on the road as they travel to Winston-Salem State University on Friday, November 13, at 5:30 p.m. to take on the Rams in Winston-Salem, N.C.
