Statesmen Open Season with Back-to-Back Road Battles

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — The Richard Bland College women's basketball team tipped off its 2025–26 campaign with a pair of competitive non-conference matchups over the weekend, falling to Chesapeake College and Howard Community College in back-to-back contests. Despite the early setbacks, the Statesmen showed promising balance and energy across the roster as several players delivered strong individual performances.

The Statesmen battled in their season opener against a sharp-shooting Chesapeake squad that used a fast start to secure the 66-83 victory. After trailing 13-28 following the first quarter, Richard Bland steadied itself with improved execution through the middle quarters, cutting into the deficit before Chesapeake closed strong in the fourth.

Sophomore Grace Riggs led the way for the Statesmen with her first double-double of the season, posting 19 points and 12 rebounds. Keeva Heggins added nine points and six rebounds, while Arianna Zepeda filled the stat sheet with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Hazel Veloz chipped in with nine rebounds, eight points, and four assists for the Statesmen. Off the bench, Nyah Barnwell provided a spark with 8 points and 6 boards.

As a team, Richard Bland shot 31.2% from the field, 25.0% from three-point range, and 44.0% from the free throw line.

Less than 24 hours later, the Statesmen were back in action against host, Howard Community College, where they delivered a gritty defensive effort before ultimately falling 55-63. Richard Bland outscored the Dragons in the final quarter and showed improved composure on both ends down the stretch.

Riggs again paced the offense with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Heggins hit three triples en route to 10 points. Barnwell dominated the boards with a game-high 13 rebounds, and Zepeda continued her strong playmaking with 7 assists and 5 steals. Off the bench, Micala Poe chipped in 9 points, connecting on 7-of-10 from the free throw line, while Jessica Reese chipped in with five points.

The Statesmen shot 27.9% from the floor, 18.2% from beyond the arc, and 55.0% at the line, while holding Howard to just 31.4 field goal percentage.

Richard Bland will next travel to the College of Southern Maryland on Saturday, November 8^th for a 1pm non-conference contest.

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