VALDOSTA, Ga.- The Valdosta State Lady Blazers basketball team impressed in its opening-night victory over Fort Valley State on Friday night. Transfer senior Cheray Saunders led the way for the Lady Blazers in the 85-54 win.
 
Cheray Saunders began her VSU career on a high note, as the transfer tallied 28 points, four rebounds, two assists and four steals. Saunders shot 11-16 from the floor, flashing her scoring abilities. The Lady Blazers had three other double-digit scorers, as Nari Garner (10 pts), Kayla Frey (16), Delaney Bernard (10) all chipped in offensively.
 
For the Wildcats, Torri Myers had a game-high 13 points, while Nola Carter added 12.
 
Defensively, the Blazers forced 20 turnovers and were able to turn those into offense by scoring 31 points off turnovers.
 
In their first game under head coach Deandra Schirmer, the Lady Blazers displayed their scoring ability. VSU started out quick against the Wildcats, taking a 13-9 lead into the second quarter.
 
VSU showed of its high-flying offense in the second quarter, as the Lady Blazers went on a 13-2 run to take a 26-11 lead. Freshman sharpshooter Kendall Bollmer started the run for VSU, nailing a wide-open three right out of the gate.
 
As the first half ended, it was Saunders and her 19 first-half points that allowed for the Lady Blazers to take a 37-21 lead into the half.
 
It was in the second half, when the Blazers offense really took off. VSU went on a 19-7 run in third period, extending their lead to 56-38. Saunders continued to dominate scoring and facilitating the offense.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Blazers outscored the Wildcats 29-16 to put the finishing touches on the opening night win.
 
Up Next:
 
The Lady Blazers are back in action on Saturday as they play in Day Two of the GSC/SIAC Challenge. VSU will face Albany State at 12 p.m. Links to live stats and streaming of the game are available at vstateblazers.com on the women's basketball schedule page.