Box Score AMERICUS, Ga. - The Valdosta State women's basketball team faced their first setback of the 2017-18 season in a 62-54 road loss to the Lady Canes of Georgia Southwestern on Tuesday evening in Americus, Ga.

The loss pushed the Lady Blazers to 2-1 overall on the season, while GSW moved to 1-0 after the successful season opener.

A 19-point first quarter gave the Lady Blazers a solid start and a nine point lead heading into the second period, but the Lady Canes outscored VSU 16-12 in the second to pull to within five at intermission.

With a 31-26 lead at the break, Valdosta State used two three-pointers b y Aaliyah Cheatham in the first two minutes of second half to open up 37-26 lead at the 7:55 mark. The lead marked VSU's largest of the game, but a scoring drought ensued for the red and black in the final eight minutes, and GSW outscored Valdosta State 13-4 during that stretch to close the gap to a a two-point, 41-39 Lady Blazer lead.

In the deciding frame, the Lady Canes went on an offensive tear, scoring 23 points against VSU's 13. Valdosta State pulled to within one possession two different times during the final two minutes of the contest, but clutch free throw shooting by Shanya Jones held the Lady Blazers at bay down the stretch.

Madi Mitchell delivered 18 points and nine rebounds for VSU, while Kenya Samone' Dixon posted 12 points and eight boards. However, the duo's efforts weren't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Lady Canes, which included points from eight different players and 17 points off the bench.

Valdosta State will aim to bounce back in two weeks during their road trip to Bellingham, Wash. on November 24th and 25th at the Lynda Goodrich Classic. Look for live coverage of both of those events right here at www.vstateblazers.com.