The Lady Tigers (1-1) fought their way to victory Tuesday night over the Lady Warhawks (1-2) of the University of Louisiana at Monroe in the Fant-Ewing Coliseum in Monroe, La. The final score was 59-54.
 
The Lady Tigers played with great determination and endurance to defeat ULM and claim their first victory for the season. The game was tied 7 times and had only 4 lead changes.
 
Grambling started the game with a 14-2 run, but that momentum would not last as the Lady Warhawks climbed back into the game going into the second quarter. ULM gained control in the second quarter and junior guard Alexis Collins hit a 3-point shot at the buzzer with 0.04 left on the clock. The shot was controversial and had to be reviewed by the referees. The shot counted and the Lady Warhawks went into the locker room with a 10-point lead. The score was 33-23.
 
In the second half, the Lady Tigers simply outscored the Lady Warhawks. Grambling shot 47 percent from the field in the third quarter and that gave them a 2-point lead, 45-43, going into the fourth. From there, the Lady Tigers took charge and never looked back. The Lady Warhawks were held to just 6-points in the quarter and Grambling finished with the win, 59-54.
 
ULM had three players with the game highs. 6'4" Forward Stephanie Ratliff led with another double-double, 14 points and 16 rebounds. Ratliff was a key player to contain for the Lady Tigers. "We just tried to deny her low post position and keep a body on her every chance we could. Her size is opposing and she had her way early in the first half," said head coach Freddie Murray. Alexis Collins also scored 14 points and added 2 rebounds. Andreanna Jackson had 11-points and 9 rebounds. ULM had 27 turnovers as a team which turned to 21 points for Grambling.
 
Shakyla Hill and Jazmine Boyd were the top scorers for the Lady Tigers. Hill finished with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Boyd added 16 points and 4 rebounds. Jazmine Torian led in rebounds with 8.
 
"It's a great confidence booster for us moving forward. The road only gets tougher. I couldn't be more proud of the ladies for showing true grit and determination, for battling from behind to get a tough road victory. Hill and Boyd continue to pick up from where they left off last year and we got huge contributions from Monisha Neal, Jazmine Torian, and Chantiara Lewis. The bench was also solid for us again," said Murray.
 
Coach Murray and the Lady Tigers will face the Lady Techsters of Louisiana Tech University, Saturday, November 19 at 7 p.m. in Ruston, La.
 
"LA Tech will be another tough game for us. They're adjusting to a changeover within their program just like us. Saturday should be another great test for us," said Murray.
 
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