HIGHLIGHTS | PHOTO GALLERY

HUNTSVILLE | The University of Alabama in Huntsville picked up its first victory in Gulf South Conference play over West Alabama on Thursday evening at Kelly Court at Spragins Hall by a final score of 58-49. UAH improves to 4-5 (1-2 GSC), while UWA slips to 4-3 (1-2 GSC).

The Chargers scoring effort was led by freshman Caroline Dodd who posted a season-high 14 points to go along with three rebounds, one block and one steal in first-year head coach Andrea Lemmond's inaugural GSC win. Dodd shot 4-for-8 from the floor and a team-best 3-for-6 from 3-point range.

The matchup between UAH and UWA was tightly contested the majority of the first half, until the Chargers offense splurged with less than three minutes left in the period. UAH catapulted to a 27-18 lead after a 9-0 run that included five points from senior Alysse Bishop.

West Alabama was able to cut UAH's lead to three points five minutes into the second half, but senior Shannon Steinert quickly sank a 3-pointer to bolster the Chargers' lead at 33-27. The Tigers came within four points in the final three minutes of the second half, but UAH finished off the home win on a 7-4 run to close out the 58-49 victory.

Dodd shined in the second half as the freshman posted 12 of her 14 total points in the period. Steinert added eight points, which was second most of all second-half scorers.

Junior Halle Jarnagin played well in the conference win, posting 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes on the court. Jarnagin has totaled at least 10 points and five rebounds in five contests this season.

The Chargers will be on the road for the following three games at West Georgia, Shorter and Lee. UAH tips off against UWG on Sunday at 1 p.m. CST in Carrolton, Georgia.