FORT VALLEY, GA (November 7, 2016) – Fort Valley State University Lady Wildcats open the 2016-17 basketball season with a 75-55 exhibition win over the U S Army of Warner Robins, Ga., tonight at the HPE Complex.
 
FVSU shot 39.5 percent from the field while making 30-of-76 shots, hitting 35.3 percent in three pointers on 6-of 17 threes and making 9-of-18 free throws for 50.0 percent.
 
The U S Army of Warner Robins hit 26.8 percent from the floor, 21.4 percent in trays and 59.4 percent at the foul line.
 
Senior forward Shekiyah Tarpkins (Social Circle, GA) led the Lady Wildcats with a game-high 27 points, eight rebounds, adding one block and five steals, while making 11-of-23 baskets, hitting 2-of-8 threes and 3-for 4 at the free throw line. Senior center Briunca Caldwell (Atlanta, GA) and freshman center Amber White (Gray, GA) grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds each, while Caldwell added 17 points and White 11. Junior guard Chantelle Rumph (Samford, FL) dished out a team leading eight assist, pulling in eight rebounds and five steals. Freshman guards Jomaiya Garner (Brunswick, GA) added four points; Symoner Palmer (Brunswick, GA) and Nola Carter (Jacksonville, FL) three points apiece.  Junior guard Tia Williams (Warner Robins, GA) and freshman forward India King (Warner Robins, GA) showed with two points and three rebounds each, while freshman center Jalin Moye (Miami, FL) and junior forward Jazmin Williams (Atlanta, GA) grabbed five and four rebounds.
 
S. Gibson led the U S Army of Warner Robins with 18 points and Nakisha Reaves chipped in 12, while Candice Gibson had a team-high eight rebounds.
 
Next game: FVSU will host the Peach Belt/SIAC Challenge on Friday/Saturday, November 18/19, 2016 at the HPE Complex, as the team open with Georgia Southwestern University on Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Columbus State University at 2 p.m.

On Friday, Albany State University will play Columbus State in the second game at 8 p.m. and Saturday Georgia Southwestern and Albany State to play game two at 4 p.m.