Montgomery, Ala. – Alabama State women's basketball will open its home slate on Saturday when it welcomes Mobile to the Dunn-Oliver Acadome for a 2 p.m. contest.
 
The Lady Hornets (0-1) are coming off a tough 103-43 loss to eighth-ranked South Carolina on Tuesday night in the Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks' defense was too much to handle as the Lady Hornets shot 20.3 percent (14-of-63) from the field with only one made three.
 
Sophomore Ayana Emmanuel led the way with 12 points including a perfect 5-of-5 from the charity stripe alongside seven rebounds and an assist. Freshman Aniyah Smith nearly posted a double double in her first collegiate game with 11 points and eight rebounds.
 
The Lady Hornets welcome four freshmen to the 2019-20 roster in Kailah Johnson (Guard), Dereseia Randle (Forward), Hannah White (Guard) and Aniyah Smith (Forward). Head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson enters her 22nd season at the helm of her alma mater with a 308-317 record. Freeman-Jackson is joined by Clayton Harris (22nd season), Yvette McDaniel (22nd season) and Dexter Holt (4th season). 
 
Alabama State was picked to finish fourth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference with the defending SWAC champion Southern University picked to win the title. A conference-leading three Lady Hornets were selected to Preseason All-SWAC teams led by sophomore Jayla Crawford landing on the First Team with Emmanuel and sophomore Shmya Ward earning spots on the Second Team.
 
Season tickets are available for the 2019-20 season by calling 334-229-4551 or visiting BamaStateSports.com. Those interested in courtside seating, call Deputy Director of Athletics Terrance Jones at 334-207-1756 or email him at tjones@alasu.edu.
 
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