MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A sluggish first quarter plagued the Hornets, as Alabama State women's basketball dropped its conference opener, 60-45, to Grambling State, Monday, Jan. 2 at home.

Taytana Calhoun and Elisiah Jones were the only two Hornets to score in the opening ten minutes, as ASU trailed the Tigers 20-5.

A slight momentum shift in the second stanza gave the Hornets a 16-to-15 scoring advantage in the quarter, trailing 35-21 heading into the halftime break.

During the intermission, Daniele Ewert and Britney Wright each collected six points, while Calhoun pulled down a team-best six boards.

Out of the locker room, ASU gave a comeback effort in the third, outscoring GSU 12-to-8, and cutting the Tiger's lead to ten (43-33) heading into the final stanza.

Grambling was able to deny the Hornets comeback attempt in the fourth, holding onto its lead and finishing the SWAC opener with a 60-45 victory.

Ewert led ASU with a team-high nine points, seven rebounds, four steals, two blocks and two assists while Wright added an additional nine points, five boards and two blocks.

During the setback, the Hornets outrebounded the Tigers 43-to-38 and finished with a game-best five blocks.

Alabama State returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 4 as the Hornets host Jackson State at 5:30 p.m.