ALBANY, Ga.- Artisha Holston recorded 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals, but the Albany State Lady Rams could not win their first game of the season. ASU lost its home opener to Valdosta State University by the score of 55-52. With the loss, the Lady Rams are now 0-3 overall. VSU improves to 4-0.
 
Albany State actually started the game well by holding an early lead, but the Lady Rams still trailed 17-15 after the first quarter. The Lady Blazers outscored ASU 21-7 in the second quarter to take a commanding 38-22 halftime advantage.
 
In the third quarter, the Lady Rams turned up the defensive pressure to produce a 12-4 edge in the stanza to cut their deficit to 42-34. In the fourth period, Holston made a free throw with 3:52 left in regulation brought ASU within one, 46-45. However, the Lady Rams could not get any closer, and VSU was able to hold on to its lead.
 
The Lady Rams shot 20-for-48 (41.7%), 2-for-9 (22.2%) from three-point range and 10-for-15 (66.7%) from the free throw line.  The team committed 26 turnovers.
 
Aaliyah Cheatham led Valdosta State with a game-high 16 points, while Madi Mitchell added another 15 points.
 
Albany State returns to action on Dec. 3 when it travels to Memphis, TN to face SIAC foe LeMoyne-Owen College. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m. (central time).