VALDOSTA, Ga. — Delta State University Women's Basketball led for more than 24 minutes and held an 11-point advantage in the second half, but a late fourth-quarter surge by Valdosta State proved decisive as the Lady Statesmen dropped a hard-fought Gulf South Conference road contest, 70–62, Saturday afternoon at The Complex.

Delta State (7–6, 5–3 GSC) came out sharp on both ends, shooting 54.5 percent from the floor in the opening quarter and knocking down three early three-pointers. Madi Kate Vuncannon and Jariyah Williamson each connected from beyond the arc as DSU built a 15–13 edge after one.

The Lady Statesmen continued to control the tempo in the second quarter, leaning on balanced scoring and strong bench production. Bailey Featherstone provided an immediate spark with two paint finishes, while Olivia Allen drilled a timely three late in the period. Delta State carried a 30–26 lead into halftime and limited Valdosta State to just 36.4 percent shooting in the first half.

Momentum stayed with DSU coming out of the break. Kennedee Shelton buried a three early in the third quarter, and free throws from Alyse Holliman and Allen capped a 9–0 run that pushed the lead to 37–26, the largest of the afternoon. Delta State shot 50 percent in the third and entered the final frame up 47–46 after Valdosta State trimmed the margin late.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Blazers. Valdosta State shot 77.8 percent from the floor in the final 10 minutes and used a 10–0 run midway through the period to seize control. Despite multiple attempts by DSU to answer, the Lady Statesmen were unable to regain the lead as the Blazers closed out the game at the free throw line.

Delta State finished the afternoon shooting 45.7 percent from the field and an impressive 54.5 percent from three-point range. The Lady Statesmen also outscored Valdosta State 34–12 in bench points and held a 28–20 advantage in points in the paint.
Stat Leaders

• Dakiya Toney led Delta State with 15 points, going 7-of-13 from the field.
• Jariyah Williamson added 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
• Olivia Allen contributed nine points, three assists, and three steals.
• Madi Kate Vuncannon chipped in six points on 2-of-3 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three-point range.

Valdosta State was paced by Chardae Rumph and Erin Whalen, who scored 18 points apiece, while Aryana Hicks added 15 points and helped fuel the decisive fourth-quarter push.

Delta State returns to action next week as the Lady Statesmen continue Gulf South Conference play, as they will host the Trojans from Trevecca Nazarene University Thursday evening at Walter Sillers Coliseum