MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Delta State Lady Statesmen officially opened the 2009-2010 season with an 80-55 victory over LeMoyne-Owen College on Monday.

Veronica Walker scored a game-high 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Lady Statesmen. Memphis native Ashley Martin came off the bench to score 14 points for Delta State in front of her hometown fans.

The Lady Statesmen were in control from the start, jumping out to a 13-3 lead. They held LeMoyne-Owen to 5-of-33 shooting (15 percent) in the first half as Delta State took a 39-21 advantage into halftime.

Though they were too far down to put a real scare into the Lady Statesmen, the Lady Magicians of LeMoyne-Owen gave a stronger showing in the second half, scoring 34 points. They made 8-out-of 17 shots inside the 3-point arc, and sank 15-of-23 free throws (65 percent).

“They outplayed us in the second half,” Delta State head coach Sandra Rushing said. “While I'm happy to get the win on the road, as a team we have to stick to our defensive philosophy.”

Shameka Russell scored 10 points for Delta State, followed by Moe Bell and Tamara Reed, who each scored nine points, all from the 3-point arc.

The two teams will meet again Saturday for the second end of their home-and-home series at Sillers Coliseum at Delta State. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.