AUBURN, Ala. - The UWG women's team got their first game action of the 2023-24 season, taking on Auburn in an exhibition, falling to the Tigers 77-49 at Neville Arena.

West Georgia was outmatched by the Southeastern Conference foe, but second year head coach Joanna Reitz got everybody in the game to gain experience against a high-caliber opponent. Aliyah Washington had a solid showing to begin her sophomore campaign, scoring nine points with five rebounds. Jada Powell's UWG debut saw the senior grab nine rebounds to go with eight points.

The Wolves shot 33.3 percent from the field in the opening half while the Tigers shot 43.6 percent. The Tigers length and athleticism forced 16 first half turnovers, leading to 13 points on the other end.

After a quarter of play, the Wolves trailed by 10, and the Tigers extended the lead to 37-18 at the break. Zuriyah Davis led the scoring efforts in the opening half with five points.

The third quarter was tighter as the Tigers outscored the Wolves 17-10 in the period. West Georgia's fourth quarter was the best of the game for the visitor's as UWG scored 21 points, hit a pair of three pointers, and shot 46.2 percent from the field.

West Georgia had a respectable night on the glass, as Auburn only had a three rebound advantage, 39-36. The Wolves finished the game with 29 turnovers, however.

Freshman Sydne Tolbert finished the game with six points while Calie Thrower finished with five.

West Georgia now sets its sights on the official open of the 2023-24 season, set for November 10 in Carrollton. The Wolves host Albany State in a 2 p.m. contest on that Friday to open year two of the Reitz era.