Game Information 
Matchup: Fayetteville State Broncos vs. Shippensburg Raiders 
Date: Friday, Nov. 13 
Time: 6:00 p.m. 
Location: Shippensburg, Pa. 
Link to Broadcast, Live Stats: fsubroncos.com/gameday

After an encouraging exhibition performance against Division I opponent North Carolina Central, Fayetteville State officially opens the 2026-27 season Friday evening against Shippensburg in the CIAA/PSAC Challenge. The contest marks the first official game of the season for both programs. 

About Fayetteville State 

Under head coach Tyreece Brown, the Broncos enter the season looking to build on previous year's success and establish themselves as one of the CIAA's premier programs. 

Although the exhibition result ended in a narrow 60-56 loss at NC Central, Fayetteville State showed plenty of promise. The Broncos erased a double-digit first-half deficit and carried a six-point lead midway through the fourth quarter before the Eagles rallied late. 

Fayetteville State forced 31 turnovers, recorded 12 steals, and demonstrated the defensive pressure that has become a trademark of Brown's teams. The Broncos also knocked down seven three-pointers and outscored NC Central 20-11 in a dominant third quarter. 

Broncos Players to Watch 

• Samiyah Barker opened the preseason with a team-high 14 points while adding four rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes her one of Fayetteville State's key leaders entering the season. 

• Ameya Brown provided an immediate spark off the bench against NC Central, scoring 11 points and helping ignite the Broncos' comeback effort. Her energy and scoring punch could be a major factor against the Raiders. 

• Jahniya Marion knocked down three three-pointers and finished with 11 points in the exhibition. If Marion finds an early rhythm from beyond the arc, she can quickly change the complexion of a game. 

• Nyla Powell contributed eight points and three rebounds while providing a strong inside presence that Fayetteville State will rely on throughout the season. 

About Shippensburg 

Shippensburg opens the season at home after returning nine players from last year's squad, including three starters in Michelle Olak, Melana Eyer, and Lauren Marton. 

The Raiders also welcome back Bella Chimienti and Rylee Kraft, who missed last season due to injury, while a talented six-player recruiting class adds depth and competition. The freshman group is highlighted by Alainah McKavish, a 2,000-point scorer and reigning Virginia Class 2 State Player of the Year. 

With a veteran core and added depth, Shippensburg enters the season expecting to contend in the PSAC. 

Raiders Players to Watch 

• Michelle Olak is Shippensburg's top returning scorer after averaging 11.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 49.2 percent from the field last season. 

• Melana Eyer averaged 11.1 points per game and led the team with 78 assists while playing more than 35 minutes per contest. 

• Lauren Marton averaged 5.6 points per game and shot an impressive 46.2 percent from three-point range in limited action last season. 

Keys to the Game 

• Create Turnovers -  Fayetteville State forced 31 turnovers against NC Central. Replicating that defensive intensity will help the Broncos generate transition opportunities and disrupt the Raiders' experienced backcourt. 

• Win the Battle in the Paint -  Shippensburg returns several veteran post players led by Olak. Controlling the glass and limiting second-chance points will be a priority for Fayetteville State. 

• Maintain Offensive Consistency -  The Broncos showed flashes of explosive offense in the exhibition, particularly during their third-quarter surge. Sustaining that production over four quarters could be the difference in a closely contested season opener. 

What to Expect 

Friday's matchup features two teams beginning their official seasons with high expectations. Shippensburg's experience and home-court advantage will present an early challenge, while Fayetteville State enters with the confidence that comes from competing toe-to-toe with a Division I opponent earlier in the week. 

Expect a physical and competitive contest, with the Broncos looking to use their pressure defense and athleticism to speed up the tempo against a veteran Raider squad. 

Outlook 

Fayetteville State showed considerable promise in its exhibition against NC Central, demonstrating resilience, defensive intensity, and balanced scoring. If the Broncos can carry that momentum into the regular season, they will have an opportunity to begin the year with a quality road victory. The matchup should provide an early measuring stick for a team with aspirations of contending for another CIAA championship and making a return trip to the NCAA Division II Tournament. 

For more information on Fayetteville State women's basketball, visit FSUBroncos.com and follow the Broncos on social media.