FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The women's basketball team of Valdosta State produced their highest point total of the 2016-17 season on Saturday afternoon in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., but Palm Beach Atlantic scored just enough to outlast the Lady Blazers, 89-83, in NCAA Division II South Region basketball action.
 
Three Lady Blazers scored 20 points or more in the contest, and Valdosta State shot 44.6 percent from the field, but Palm Beach Atlantic matched the effort offensively and used a 26-of-31 effort from the free throw line to sway the contest in their favor.
 
PBA's Ayanna Holmes led the way for the Sailfish with 26 points, including one three ball and a 9-of-10 shooting performance from the free throw line. Holmes also topped PBA's rebounding effort with nine boards to help offset Valdosta State's 43-34 rebounding advantage on the night.
 
The two teams took a 65-65 tie into the fourth and final quarter, and Valdosta State took the lead twice in the early minutes of the frame, but PBA surged for six unanswered points over a two-minute span starting at the 7:06 mark. The stretch proved to be a costly one for the Lady Blazers, as they were unable to recover from the deficit.
 
Madi Mitchell delivered her fourth straight double-double in the contest with 21 points and a career-high 14 rebounds, six of which came on offense. The offensive rebounds led to 19 second chance points for Valdosta State, but PBA transformed 19 VSU turnovers into 21 points to help secure the win.
 
Aaliyah Cheatham and Sonya Franklin each scored 20 points in the game, and Kenya Samone' Dixon poured in 12 points to complement her 10 rebounds. The double-double marked the first of her career at Valdosta State.
 
Valdosta State fell to 2-3 overall following the loss, while the Sailfish improved to 3-3.
 
The Lady Blazers return home on Thursday, December 1^st, for their next scheduled matchup, which will take place at 6:00 p.m. against Trinity Baptist at The Complex.