VALDOSTA, Ga. – Despite 12 second half points from Sczeny Hartry, Valdosta State fell in the team’s season opener against Lander. The Bearcats, who were tabbed third overall in the Peach Belt Preseason Coaches’ Poll, used balanced scoring with double-digit points from four players to beat the Lady Blazers, 71-54.

In the first half, Valdosta State started strong, leading by as much as eight points. The team ended the half down four points to Lander, 28-24. But early in the second half, Lander went on a 10-2 run in just over three minutes starting at the 16:46 mark to stretch the lead to 14 points. Eventually, Lander led by as much as 21.

Valdosta State saw three players score double digits, led by senior point guard Leschelle Matthews. She scored 13 points, nine in the first half. After going scoreless in the first half, Hartry erupted for 12 points late in the second half. Michelle Thompson put in 11. Sierra Nixon led the team in rebounds with seven while Brittany Daniels brought down six.

For Lander, Mukia Myrick led all scorers with 15 points. She passed out six assists. Shannon McKever, Ciara Lyons and Jasmine Judge contributed 12 points each. McKever brought down 10 rebounds, and Judge notched four steals.

Lander shot 45 percent overall and 31.8 percent on seven for 22 from the three-point line. Valdosta State finished 31.4 percent from the field and 18.2 percent on 2 for 11 from long range. Matthews shot 62.5 percent from the field and Hartry was 50 percent.

Valdosta State turned the ball over two less times then Lander, 21-23, but the Bearcats scored more points off turnovers, 27-18. Lander’s advantage in rebounds, 42-32, helped the team score more points in the paint, 38-22, and second chance points, 21-10.

The Lady Blazers will look to even up their record Monday against Edward Waters.