CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Valdosta State women's basketball team extended their winning streak to four on Saturday afternoon with a 48-38 Gulf South Conference win over Delta State in Cleveland, Miss.
 
The triumph marked VSU's first against Delta State in Walter Sillers Coliseum since March 7, 1983, when VSU defeated the Lady Statesmen 85-83. VSU improved their overall record to 14-8 and 11-5 in GSC play. Meanwhile, the Lady Statesmen dropped to 8-12 on the season and 5-10 in conference action.
 
The two teams battled shot for shot throughout the first quarter, before a second quarter offensive drought allowed Delta State an opportunity to open up a significant lead. The Lady Blazers scored just three points in the second quarter until Sonya Franklin connected on a layup just 30 seconds prior to the half. DSU used 11 VSU turnovers to account for 14 of their first half points. The Lady Statesmen outscored the Lady Blazers 13-5 in the second quarter for a 12-point halftime lead.
 
Valdosta State exploded out of their locker room after the half with a quick bucket by Franklin at the 9:35 mark. The layup sparked a 9-2 run during the first six minutes of the third quarter to pull VSU to within five at 27-22, a spread which remained throughout the remainder of the third quarter. 

The deciding frame came in the fourth, as the Lady Blazer defense locked down to allow the Lady Statesmen just four points during the entire quarter. Valdosta State countered with their biggest offensive surge of the night, a 19-point outpouring that afforded VSU a comfortable 10-point lead by the end of regulation.

Franklin teamed up with Madi Mitchell for 34 of VSU's 48 points in the game. Each had 17 points on offense, while Kenya Samone' Dixon just missed a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.

Valdosta State returns home on Thursday night to host the Lady Bulldogs of Union. Tip time is slated for 6:00 p.m. at The Complex.