Livingston, Ala. -- The Lady Hawks kicked off 2016 on a positive note, topping West Alabama 85-79 on the road.

Shorter improves to 8-3 on the season and 5-2 in the Gulf South Conference; while the Tigers slip to 5-6 overall and 2-5 in the GSC.

West Alabama took the lead early in the game, jumping out to an 11-2 lead with 6:41 to play in the first quarter. But, the Lady Hawks didn't let the slow start stop them, and began chipping away at the lead; turning in an 18-8 run to take the advantage on a three-pointer from Raven Fair with 1:33 to go. Sydney King netted a jumper on the Tigers next possession, to make it a 21-20 game in West Alabama's favor going into the second quarter.

In the opening minutes of the second period Taylor Adams tied the game with a layup and free throw to bring the score to 23-23 with 8:02 on the clock, and moments later Madison Rice netted a layup to give Shorter the lead for good. Through the remaining minutes, the Lady Hawks added to it and took a 42-39 advantage into the second half.

Shorter opened the third quarter on an 8-3 run and held its largest lead of the afternoon when Jackie Hudson netted a free throw with 2:06 to play in the frame to make it a 63-51 game.

In the final ten minutes, the Tigers managed to cut the lead to two on a layup from Catherine Taylor, but the Lady Hawks answered with a six consecutive points to bring their advantage back to eight on a pair of free throws from Shakierya McClendon with just over a minute to go; holding on for the win, 85-79.

Shorter had four players finish in double-figures with Adams turning in her seventh double-double of the season with 29 points and 14 rebounds. McClendon came off the bench to finish with a season high 18 points; while Shaundricka Mann added 12 points and Kayla Tillie chipped in with 10.

The Tigers were led by Ariel Wilson's game high 34 points.

Shorter will return to action Monday evening, January 4, when they travel to West Georgia for a 5:30pm start in Carrollton, Ga.