ATHENS, Ga. — The Johnetta Hayes era of Alabama State women's basketball officially tipped off Monday evening, as the Hornets opened the 2025–26 season on the road at Georgia, falling 73–44 at Stegeman Coliseum.

Charlese McClendon led Alabama State with 13 points, including three three-pointers, while Caylee Simpson added eight points and a team-high four assists. Clearia Peterson finished with four points, four rebounds, and two blocked shots, while Kaia Ponder grabbed a team-best six boards off the bench.

The Hornets shot 33.3 percent from the floor and 41.7 percent from beyond the arc, connecting on five three-pointers. Alabama State outscored Georgia's bench 25–21 and generated 14 points off Bulldog turnovers.

Georgia (1–0) jumped out to a 21–8 lead after the opening quarter and carried a 31–14 advantage into halftime. Alabama State found its rhythm in the second half, shooting 45.5 percent in the third quarter and 60 percent from three in the final period.

Mia Woolfolk paced Georgia with 15 points, while Dani Carnegie added 14 and Rylie Theuerkauf chipped in 11. The Bulldogs shot 45 percent from the field and held a 39–28 edge on the glass.

The match up marked the first game for Johnetta Hayes as head coach of the Hornets, who begin a new chapter under her leadership.

Alabama State (0–1) will look to bounce back as they return to action Saturday, Nov. 8 against Auburn University at 1 p.m.

GAME NOTES
Final: Georgia 73 (1-0) | Alabama State 44 (0-1)
Location: Stegman Coliseum | Athens, Ga.
 

• Johnetta Hayes first game as Head Coach for Alabama State
• Ny'Keria Flowers jumper at 8:38 of the first quarter
• The Hornets went on a 7-0 run to cut deficit to 21-11 to open second quarter.
• 10 different Hornets scored in the game.
• Charlese McClendon led ASU with 13 points.