SUMMARY
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (0-1) fell to Virginia Commonwealth University (1-0) to open the 2025–26 season despite three players scoring in double digits with ophomore Jaida Cameron (12), senior Brianna Barnes (11) and freshman Kaliya Perry (11).
UMES started strong, forcing 11 turnovers and taking a 32–29 lead into halftime behind a balanced offensive effort.
THE SCORE
VCU (1-0) - 62
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (0-1) - 48
HOW IT HAPPENED
Senior Brianna Barnes led the scoring effort for the Hawks at the end of the first quarter with six points. Senior Lainey Allen added four points, the second most on the team, going 1-for-2 from the field and a perfect 2-for-2 at the free-throw line. On the defensive end, UMES forced 11 turnovers, converting them into 16 points on the other end. The Hawks outscored VCU 19–14 in the quarter while shooting 40% from the field.
UMES remained in control to close the first half, leading 32–29 despite being outscored by the Rams 15–13 in the second quarter. The Hawks saw a boost from their bench, outscoring VCU 16–12 while shooting 50% from the field. Cameron opened the scoring for UMES in the period, showcasing her two-way ability by ripping a steal and taking it coast-to-coast for a layup. Cameron led the Hawks with five points in the quarter.
The Hawks faced their largest deficit of the game in the third quarter, trailing 45–37 as the Rams caught fire from beyond the arc, shooting 60% from 3-point range. Freshman Kaliya Perry led UMES in the period with three points. VCU's scoring surge continued, and the Hawks couldn't overcome a 10–0 run that helped the Rams outscore UMES 24–5 to close the quarter.
UMES battled back in the final frame, outscoring the Rams 11–9 to close the game at 62–48. The late push was fueled by Barnes and Perry, who combined for nine points. The Hawks scored five of their 11 points off VCU turnovers.
BY THE NUMBERS
Six new Hawks saw the court in the game, combining to score 27 points with Jaida Cameron's team-high 12 points leading the way while Kaliya Perry (11) and Jailynn Clayton (4) capped the scoring for the group.
In a game that saw 54 total turnovers with the Hawks committing 28 and VCU 26, UMES capitalized off the opportunities to the tune of 26 points scored off turnovers. Additionally, Brianna Barnes and Ashanti Lynch each grabbed three steals.
The Hawks pulled down 31 rebounds compared to the Rams' 42 through the game. Perry pulled down seven boards while Cameron added six and Lainey Allen grabbed another four.
Lynch was held without a score in the game, however she dished out a game-high six assists.
Though the Hawks fell behind in the second half, they led for 19:05 of the game and trailed for 17:38.
COMMENTS FROM HAWK HEAD COACH MALIKAH WILLIS
Thoughts on first game of the season
"We came out ready to play, we were prepared and aggressive, of course. Just in attack mode. They played zone the second half and we got really relaxed and it kind of exploited us. We've got plenty of shooters, but we have to be ready and we've got to be able to play 40 minutes. They adjusted and we never adjusted to it."
What did you see from Jaida Cameron in her first game with UMES?
"It's what we knew. (Jaida) is out there to shoot, and she had a great first half and then when they played zone, I needed more shooting out of her and a few of our other shooters. But they were a little stagnant in our offense. I saw what we brought her here for, which was to knock shots down. But what I'd like to see from her is more confidence and playing the whole game, doing the same thing and hitting those shots."
Preparing for Cheyney (Pa) on Saturday
"We'll be ready. It was an interesting game. High and lows. And not only that, our rotations, playing on the road and everyone was in foul trouble. That was interesting in itself. Our rotations were kind of off also; we get the right people in the game, it'll be a better outcome. We're going to be working on that and our different rotations as far as subbing, and just being ready for when others are in foul trouble."
NEXT UP
UMES returns to Princess Anne for its Homecoming game against Cheyney on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m.
