The Shorter women’s basketball team took control early in Thursday’s game against Albany State, and the Lady Hawks stayed in command the rest of the way while zooming to an 81-61 home win.

Shorter dominated the first half, eventually building as much as a 22-point advantage. The Lady Hawks led 41-21 at the half.

Former Coosa High star Ieshia Alexander scored nine of her team-high 14 points in the first half, along with Lynette Harris adding eight of her 12 before the break.

“I was very pleased with tonight’s win,” said Shorter coach Vic Mitchell.

“It was definitely one of our most balanced and efficient offensive games of the season with five players in double figures and shooting 50 percent from the field, 78 percent from the free throw line, and having 21 assists on 27 baskets.

The Lady Hawks went 13-for-14 from the free throw line in the opening half, on the way to a 78 percent night from the line.

The second half saw Shorter withstand a few runs from Albany State, including an 18-3 spurt over 5:35 in the middle of the half to bring the lead back down to 13.

But the Lady Rams never get any closer.

The first half saw the Lady Hawks shoot 48 percent from the floor, while the Lady Rams converted only 36 percent.

Karisma Boykin led Shorter in the second half, scoring all of her 13 points after the break while and finishing with a game-high eight assists.

Former Model star Shelby Farrer scored 11 points and also pulled down six rebounds.

Harris recorded a game-high seven rebounds, with two blocked shots for the Lady Hawks.

Tamarr Williams added 11 points off the bench for a new career high, connecting on three 3-pointers.

“I am also happy to see Tamarr Williams have a good offensive game,” said Mitchell. “Hopefully it will give her some added confidence as we get deeper into the season.

“This was a great win for us tonight and now we look forward to playing a very good UAH team on Saturday here at the Winthrop-King Centre.”

Albany State rallied in the second half, shooting 62 percent.

April Thomas led the scoring for the game with 24 points, and Lakandra Beeks scored 12 points and pulled in seven rebounds.

The Lady Hawks return to their home court on Saturday as they play host to Gulf South Conference rival Alabama-Huntsville.

UAH is on a two game losing streak.

The Lady Chargers last played on Jan. 19 at North Alabama, and lost to the Lady Lions 81-69.