VALDOSTA, Ga. --- The MC women's basketball team fell to Valdosta State, 83-57, in Gulf South Conference action at The Complex on Friday, Jan. 2. The Choctaws move to 4-8 on the season and 3-4 in the conference.
 
Karly Ivy scored nine points and recorded two steals to lead the team. Keller Bigham contributed four points while posting three blocks and two steals. Vivian Sketoe added eight points and two assists, converting two 3-pointers. Abigail Winslow recorded two steals and two assists.
 
Valdosta State took control early, capitalizing on MC's eight turnovers to convert nine points off those errors. The Blazers shot a blistering 73 percent from the field, including a trio of 3-pointers, while limiting the visitors to 29 percent shooting.
 
The Blue and Gold faced a challenging second quarter, as VSU capitalized on second-chance opportunities with seven points and maintained an edge in the paint with eight points. Despite forcing seven turnovers and managing five steals, the Choctaws struggled offensively, failing to convert any 3-point attempts and shooting 33 percent from the field. Valdosta State led 43-23 at the intermission.
 
The Red and Black capitalized on its paint presence, outscoring MC 12-6 in the paint during the third quarter. The hosts converted on nine of 17 shots, including three 3-pointers, and maintained momentum with seven fast break points. The Blue and Gold struggled with shooting consistency, making only five of 15 attempts but stayed competitive with precise free throw shooting, hitting all four attempts.
 
The Choctaws edged VSU 18-17 in the fourth, but could not overcome the deficit. MC capitalized on turnovers to score four points and added eight points from the paint, while blocking two shots to limit Valdosta's interior scoring. Despite the Blazers' advantage on the boards, with 13 rebounds, MC's disciplined free-throw shooting and two 3-pointers helped maintain pressure.
 
Erin Whalen led VSU with 19 points, making 8 of 15 field goals, and secured a team-high 17 rebounds, including 14 defensive boards. She also contributed six assists and four steals. Ka'Miah Pryor matched Whalen's point total with 19, connecting on 5 of 11 from beyond the arc and collecting eight rebounds. Aryana Hicks added eight points while dishing out six assists and collecting three steals. Alina Martin contributed 12 points and shared the team lead in rebounds with eight, including three on the offensive end.
 
MC returns to action on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. when they travel to face West Florida in Pensacola, Fla.
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