VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Eckerd women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season with a 48-44 victory over Valdosta State on Friday evening.
Eckerd established its lead early behind a strong defensive effort, holding Valdosta State to just four points in the opening quarter. Savannah Borowicz scored the Tritons' first four points before Zozefine Liva Sipolina connected from beyond the arc to push the advantage to 8-2. Eckerd carried an 8-4 lead into the second quarter.
The Tritons found their rhythm offensively in the second frame, opening the period with an 8-2 stretch. Kailyn Terrell and Victoria Bross each knocked down a three-pointer, while Katelyn Best added a jumper to extend the lead to 16-6. Mia Nikolic followed with back-to-back three-pointers, giving Eckerd its largest lead of the night at 22-6 with 3:34 remaining in the half. The Tritons shot 54.5 percent from the floor and connected on four three-pointers in the quarter to take a 24-14 advantage into halftime.
Valdosta State began chipping away at the deficit in the third quarter, trimming the margin to seven before Liva Sipolina connected on another three-pointer. Eckerd maintained its advantage throughout the frame, with Best adding a layup in the final minute to send the Tritons into the fourth quarter ahead 35-28.
The Blazers continued their comeback effort in the final period, pulling within five before Liva Sipolina answered with a jumper to extend Eckerd's lead to 40-33 with 5:20 remaining. Valdosta State responded with a 6-0 run to cut the deficit to one with 1:44 left. Liva Sipolina converted a pair of free throws, but the Blazers connected on a three-pointer to even the score at 42-42 with one minute remaining.
Borowicz answered at the free-throw line, sinking two attempts with 50 seconds left to put Eckerd back in front. She added another free throw with 25 seconds remaining before Liva Sipolina sealed the victory with three free throws over the final 17 seconds.
Liva Sipolina led Eckerd with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, knocking down three three-pointers. Borowicz followed with 13 points and four assists, while Best and Nikolic added six points apiece. Terrell collected seven rebounds, including four on the offensive glass. Eckerd held Valdosta State to 29.1 percent shooting from the floor and 18.2 percent from beyond the arc.
The Tritons will be back in action Saturday vs. Fort Valley State.
