LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama women’s basketball team returns to the hardwood on Thursday, January 3rd, as the Tigers (4-7) host second ranked Delta State in the UWA’s first contest in 2008. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.

The contest marks the second meeting this season between the Red and White and nationally ranked Lady Statesmen. UWA took part in the Fifth Annual Lloyd Clark Classic, before breaking for the holidays, and fell to DSU 67-45 in Cleveland, Miss.

The Tigers are led by reigning GSC East Division Player of the Week, Ashton Washington, who is averaging 14.9 points and 9.3 rebounds a contest. The Lexington, Miss.-native averaged a double-double in the West Florida Holiday Classic, guiding UWA to a 1-1 record after the 11-day, holiday break. Fellow senior Jessica Thompson is averaging double figures for the Tigers this season as well. The Valhermoso, Springs, Ala.-native is averaging 12.6 points a contest, while shooting 45.5-percent from behind the arc.

Two newcomers to the program recorded career-highs in the UWF Holiday Classic. Danielle Baldwin led the Tigers in scoring in both affairs, tallying a career-high 17 points against the University of Arkansas at Monticello and backing it up with an 11 point performance against Henderson State. Dominique Whitfield pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds to lead the Red and White on the boards in the setback to HSU.

Following the contest against the Lady Statesmen, West Alabama will return to the road, as the Tigers will travel to Arkansas. UWA will face Arkansas Tech in Russellville on Saturday, January 5^th at 4 p.m. and will wrap up the road swing on Monday, January 7^th against the UAM Cotton Blossoms at 2 p.m. in Monticello, Ark.