The Delta State University Lady Statesmen matchup with Belhaven University marks the fourth meeting all-time with the Lady Blazers. Delta State leads the series 3-0.

The two teams have not met in almost two decades as the last meeting saw DSU claiming the 96-40 win over Belhaven on Nov. 19, 1996 under head coach Lloyd Clark.

Delta State is coming off a 70-49 victory over Stillman (Ala.) College that improved their record to 3-1 on the season. 

The Green-and-White went 25-of-66 from the field to shoot 37.9 percent. Delta State's defense held Stillman to a 24.2 field goal percentage.

Three Lady Statesmen reached double figures against Stillman including Seneca Walton, Chelsey Rhodes, and Rhandi Ball.

Clarkdale, Miss., native Seneca Walton recorded her fourth double-double in as many games as she scored 20 points with 10 boards. Walton also added one block and one steal.

Chelsey Rhodes entered the game against Stillman after sitting out the previous game due to injury. She picked up where she left off as she contributed 18 points, three rebounds, and one steal.

Junior Rhandi Ball added 10 points, four rebounds, two steals, and six assists. Ball tied her career-high six assists.

Walton and Ball both reached career milestones against Stillman. Walton reached 600 career points, while Ball surpassed 400 career rebounds. 

Other milestones will be met by Ball, Walton, and Rhodes within the next few games. Walton is on the verge of 400 career rebounds, while Ball is in reach of scoring 600 career points.

Rhodes currently stands with 376 career points and will likely reach the 400-point mark in the next couple of games.  

DSU returns to action at Walter Sillers Coliseum to face Belahaven University on Nov. 26. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. The Lady Statesmen will hit the road again on Dec. 2 to face Paine College (Ga.).

OPENING TIP

TRIPLE THREAT RECIEVES GSCPRESEASON ACCOLADES

Juniors Rhandi Ball and Seneca Walton and sophomore Chelsey Rhodes received GSC Preseason honors as the three Lady Statesmen were named to the All-Gulf South Preseason team for their performances in the 2012-13 season. Delta State was the only school in the conference to have three selections.

Walton, a Clarksdale, Miss., native, averaged 12.9 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game to lead the team in both categories. Walton was named to the All-GSC Second Team and the NCAA South Region All-Tournament Team.

Ball, of Pontotoc, Miss., averaged 11.9 points per game last season and 7.2 rebounds per game. She earned All-GSC First Team and NCAA South Region All-Tournament Team honors.

Chelsey Rhodes, a 5-foot-7 guard, became the second-straight Lady Statesmen to capture the GSC's Freshman of the Year Award.  The Monticello, Ark., native averaged 11.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game last season.   

LADY STATESMEN SEEKING 16th GSC CROWN

Delta State will be looking for its 16th Gulf South Conference Championship this year as they are the reigning Gulf South Conference Regular Season Champions. The Lady Statesmen were also chosen by the head coaches in the conference  to finish first in the GSC.  

The Lady Statesmen boast 15 league titles are 11 more than the next closest league member. Arkansas Tech, who is no longer in the GSC, had four with Valdosta State and West Georgia having two each.

EXPERIENCE IS KEY

The Lady Statesmen have experience on their side as they brought back nine letterwinners to this season's roster. Three starters returned in Sencea Walton, Rhandi Ball, and Chelsey Rhodes. Chadisty Hickman and Shanae Govan also return as letterwinners from last season and will start for the Green-and-White this seaon.