SALEM, West Virginia - Looking to rebound after two hard fought defeats in Alaska, Salem women's basketball team was also looking forward to the warmth of T.Edward Davis Gymnasium where they were set to take on the Virginia State Trojans. Salem controlled the game effectively the whole way and came away with a strong 79-71 win. 

In the first period, Salem quickly jumped out to an early lead thanks to some big shots from Elena Pericic. However, the Trojans would not go quietly, and a late rally gave the Trojans just a 1 point deficit to the Tigers going into the second. 

In the second, Salem benefited from some strong interior play from two unlikely sources. Liliani Krause and Kirsten Cross played well in the period, and Salem controlled the game 31-25 after 2. 

In the third, it was more of the same for the Tigers as strong interior play led to extra scoring chances for the Tigers both from the field and from the foul line. Emerson Wells and Nerea Arambarri Fernandez made some key buckets for the Tigers, and Salem grew their lead to 53-39 after 3. 

In the final frame, Salem continued their dominance in the paint and found their strongest offensive period of the game with 26 points down the stretch. However, Virginia State would rally with some big shots in the final moments of the game. Yet, the Tigers held on to a well earned 79-71 win over their CIAA opponent. 

On the stats sheet, the clear stars of the game were Liliani Krause and Kirsten Cross. Krause led the Tigers with 21 points, and Cross was just behind her with a double double of 17 points and 15 rebounds. Elena Pericic also had 17 for Salem, and Nerea Arambarri Fernandez rounded out the Tigers' players in double figures with 14 of her own. 

After this decisive team win for Salem, they will be excited and ready for more in their next contest as they face off with West Virginia Wesleyan in Buckhannon on Monday, December 5th at 5:30 PM.