Morgan State’s women’s basketball team opened its season with defensive pressure and contributions throughout the lineup Monday morning, giving its fourth annual Education Day a winning start against Washington Adventist at Hill Field House.

The Lady Bears entered the 2026–27 campaign looking to build under second-year head coach Nadine Domond after finishing last season 5–26 overall and 4–10 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Picked fifth in the MEAC preseason poll, Morgan began with an opportunity to establish its approach before a demanding stretch of road games.

Monday’s setting also continued a campus tradition. Held under the theme “Building Bridges – Pathways to Education,” Education Day paired the season opener with the university’s educational outreach. It marked the third consecutive season Morgan State and Washington Adventist had met for the occasion.

Washington Adventist stayed within seven points through the opening quarter, trailing 21–14, before Morgan created separation in the second. The Lady Bears outscored the Shock 29–12 in that period to take a 50–26 halftime advantage, putting the visitors under increasing pressure at both ends.

That pressure became the defining feature of Morgan’s 103–47 victory. The Lady Bears forced 40 turnovers and collected 21 steals, producing 39 points off Washington Adventist’s mistakes. Dru Carlton and Mihjae Hayes each recorded four steals, helping Morgan repeatedly turn defensive stops into scoring opportunities.

Carlton led five Lady Bears in double figures with 14 points, including four three-pointers. Jahzara Leamon contributed 12 points and a team-high nine rebounds, while Shani Clark finished with 11. Merit Innocent and Alexiz Graise added 10 apiece.

Hayes also supplied eight assists, helping direct an offense that received 54 points from its bench. Morgan scored 58 points in the paint and collected 28 offensive rebounds, giving the Lady Bears repeated opportunities to extend possessions.

The hosts maintained their advantage after halftime before finishing with a 33–8 fourth quarter. Morgan reached 100 points for the first time since its November 2019 victory over Notre Dame of Maryland.

Shyann Brooks led Washington Adventist with a game-high 19 points, while Nia Powell pulled down 10 rebounds. The Takoma Park program, which competes in the NAIA, counted Monday’s contest as an exhibition.

Morgan improved to 1–0 and remained unbeaten in 11 meetings with the Shock. The Lady Bears now face a quick turnaround, visiting Colorado on November 4 before continuing to Oklahoma State on November 6 and Oklahoma on November 8.

Final Score: Morgan State 103, Washington Adventist 47
Leading Scorers: Morgan State — Dru Carlton, 14 points; Washington Adventist — Shyann Brooks, 19 points.