LIVINGSTON, Ala. - West Alabama women's basketball team falls to Valdosta State, 72-67, Thursday evening in Pruitt Hall in a back-and-forth Gulf South Conference opener.  

The Tigers came out strong, taking a 21-16 lead in the first quarter behind efficient shooting and solid ball movement. Callie Cowan and Kendall Lacoste combined for 14 points in the opening period, with Cowan also dishing out three assists. Valdosta State responded in the second quarter, outscoring UWA 17-14 to cut the Tigers' lead to 35-33 at halftime.  

In the second half, UWA was led by Jordan Parker, who recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Julia Rodriguez, who added 11 points and five assists. However, Valdosta State capitalized on turnovers, turning 14 Tiger miscues into 28 points. Aryana Hicks and Kiersten Nelson paced the Blazers with 20 points each, combining for 12 of their team's 21 fourth-quarter points.  

Kaedre Denson chipped in 11 points and six rebounds for UWA, while Lacoste finished with 10 points, including two of the Tigers' six three-pointers. Despite a late push in the final period, UWA couldn't overcome Valdosta State's efficient free-throw shooting and dominance in the paint, where the Blazers scored 42 points.  

The Tigers will look to bounce back when they host West Florida on Saturday, December 7th, at 4 p.m. in Pruitt Hall.