BOWIE, MD. — The Shaw University women's basketball team opened its 2025–26 season at the Bowie State Tip-Off Classic, dropping matchups against Shepherd and East Stroudsburg over the weekend.

Shaw fell 81-52 to Shepherd on Saturday despite a strong offensive outing from D'Ayzha Atkinson, who scored a team-high 16 points along with three rebounds. Leasia Matthews added 15 points and four steals while the Bears' defense recorded 13 steals and six blocks. Shaw struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting just 26.2 percent from the field while being outscored on the glass 48–35.

On Sunday, Shaw responded with an improved performance but came up short in a 67-61 loss to East Stroudsburg. Atkinson once again led the Bears with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Matthews contributed 16 points including a pair of three-pointers. Shaw dominated the boards with a 47–29 rebounding advantage, highlighted by Mahogany Collins' 14 rebounds, but 27 turnovers proved costly as they led to 25 points for the Warriors.

Shaw moves to 0-2 to start the season and will continue nonconference play before opening CIAA competition.