The Delta State University Lady Statesmen matchup with Paine College marks the first meeting all-time between the Lady Statesmen and Lions.

The Green-and-White enter the matchup with a 4-1 record, while Paine enters the matchup 1-4 on the season.

Delta State is coming off a 64-42 victory over Belhaven (Miss.) University that extended DSU series streak to 4-0. 

The Green-and-White went 25-of-65 from the field to shoot 38.5 percent. Delta State's defense held Belhaven to a 22.0 percent field goal percentage.

Two Lady Statesmen reached double figures against Belhaven including Chelsey Rhodes and Becca Ruckes.

Chelsey Rhodes led DSU with 16 points, four rebounds, one steal, and one assist.  

Sophomore Becca Ruckes added 10 points, 8 rebounds, and one block in the win over Belhaven.

Clarkdale, Miss., native Seneca Walton eclipsed the 400 career rebounds mark. She currently sits at 409 career rebounds.

Shanae Govan put up an outstanding performance as she recorded a career high 9 assists. She also contributed six points and four rebounds.

Freshman Anissa Jackson continues to prove that freshman is just a titel. Jackson scored eight points, two boards, and two assists. Jackson also grabbed a career high five steals against Belhaven.

Walton and Rhandi Ball both reached career milestones in DSU's win over Stillman. Walton reached 600 career points, while Ball surpassed 400 career rebounds. 

Other milestones will be met by Ball and Rhodes within the next few games. Ball is in reach of scoring 600 career points.

Rhodes currently stands with 392 career points and will likely reach the 400-point mark in her next game. 

UP NEXT

DSU returns to action on the road in Memphis, Tenn., to face Christian Brothers University on Dec. 14. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. This marks the opening of Gulf South Conference play.

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.   

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.

WALTON CONTINUES HOT STREAK

Junior center Seneca Walton has been a major catalyst for the success of the Lady Statesmen this season.  The Clarksdale, Miss., native is averaging 13.4 points per game and 10.4 rebounds per game. Walton is currently leading the GSC in rebounding.

Walton is proving to be an unstoppable force under the goal as she recorded four double-doubles in the first four games this season. 

Walton surpassed the 600 career points mark on Nov. 23, 2013 against Stillman College. Walton eclipsed the 400 career rebound mark on Nov. 26 against Belhaven. She now sits at 409 career rebounds.

DELTA STATE MAKES AN EARLY STATEMENT

Delta State was selected by the head coaches in the Gulf South to finish first after their 21-10 campaign last season.

DSU is currently ranked second in the Gulf South Conference in assists. The Green-and-White have combined for 65 assists over four games for an average of 16.3 assists per game, just behind Alabama-Huntsville with 20.5 assists per game.

The Lady Statesmen also have three players ranked in the top 15 in scoring in the Gulf South, including Seneca Walton, Chelsey Rhodes and Becca Ruckes.

BALL MEETS MILESTONE

Junior small forward Rhandi Ball, the 2011-2012 GSC Freshman of the Year, met and passed the 400 career rebound milestone against Stillman College on Nov. 23, 2013. Ball now sits at 403 career rebounds.

The Ponotoc, Miss., native is now within reach of another career milestone. Ball currently has 584 career points and will reach the 600 career point mark in the next few games.

SOPHOMORE SENSATION

Chelsey Rhodes is picking up where she left off as the reigning GSC Freshman of the Year. After a truly sensational freshman season, Rhodes returns as one of the main scoring contributors for the Lady Statesmen.

So far this season, Rhodes is averaging 12.3 points per game. Rhodes scored a season-high 18 points versus Stillman College after missing the previous game due to injury.