VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State Lady Blazers posted a strong effort against the Gulf South Conference's Lady Flames of Lee, but VSU was outscored 54-46 in the end on Saturday afternoon in Valdosta, Ga. at The Complex.
With the loss, Valdosta State dropped their overall team record to 10-10 and 6-9 in GSC play. Meanwhile, the Lady Flames improved to 14-6 and 11-4 in conference play.
The Lady Blazers started off sluggish, which allowed the Lady Flames to quickly take advantage offensively. Lee extended their lead in the first frame by nine points and were sparked by two three-pointers from Erin Walsh. Meanwhile, VSU scored just six points, which included a three by
Madi Mitchell, one free-throw from
Lydia Harvey, and a jumper by
Maddy Corazza.
The second quarter looked promising early, as
Aaliyah Cheatham knocked down a three-pointer within the first minute of the period. Walsh knocked down two more three balls, however, and Lee's defense held VSU to just eight points in the second, resulting in a 29-14 deficit for VSU at the midway point.
Valdosta State closed out the first half shooting 4-of-21 from the field, 3-of-13 from behind the arc, and 3-of-4 at the free-throw line. Meanwhile, the Lady Flames powered through with 11-of-27 from the field and 7-of-18 from three-point range.
The Lady Blazers turned up the defensive pressure in the second half, and used some solid minutes from the VSU reserves to post a 20-point fourth quarter. Valdosta State's comeback attempt came up short, however, as the Lady Flames held off VSU with key buckets from Walsh and Haris Price down the stretch.
Harvey led VSU offensively with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting from three point range and a 2-of-4 effort at the free-throw line. Cheatham followed with 11 points, and
Aliyah Johnson tallied six boards to lead the team in rebounds.
For Lee, Walsh accumulated 20 points, which included 7-of-18 shooting from the field, four three pointers, and two free throws. Anna Woodford contributed 11 points on the night, after knocking down three of her nine attempts and burying each of her four free throw attempts.
Valdosta State will travel for another GSC showdown against the rival Lady Choctaws of Mississippi College in Jackson, Miss. on Thursday night. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. EST.
