ALBANY, Ga. - The Albany State University women's basketball team was unable to secure its season opener Friday evening as the Golden Rams fell 65-53 to Georgia Southwestern.

ASU shot just 33 percent from the field on its home floor and went 9-for-30 on 3-pointers (30 percent) in the loss – their first loss of the season.

Georgia Southwestern shot 46 percent in the first half as the Lady Hurricanes built a 35-32 halftime lead and never trailed in the second half. The Golden Rams fought back to score 11 points in the final quarter while the Lady Hurricanes added 12 points.  

Georgia Southwestern improves to 1-0. Albany State drops to 0-1.

Kierra York led the Golden Rams with contributing 15 points. Shelby Ricks added 13 points and four rebounds, and Chelsea Hill finished with 10 points and three rebounds.

GSW went 23-for-53 from the field (44 percent), 7-for-19 on 3's and 12-for-20 at the free throw line. Albany State finished at 33 percent from the field (17-51), 30 percent on 3's (9-30) and 43.5 percent at the free throw line (10-23).

Georgia Southwestern out-rebounded ASU 45-39. ASU had six assists, 27 turnovers and three steals. 

The Golden Rams secured nine points off of turnovers. 

Up next: Albany State University (0-1) will travel to Americus, Georgia to face the Lady Hurricanes of Georgia Southwestern State University on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m.