Lady Blazers tip off season with a blowout win

Former Albany State star April Thomas dropped a game-high 26 points off the bench in her Valdosta State (1-0) debut as the Lady Blazers coasted to 96-50 rout over Trinity Baptist College (0-3) on opening night.

Thomas entered the game less than 10 minutes into the game after sitting out the starting lineup.

The transfer guard drained three shots in a row from three-point range to push VSU's early lead to a demanding one.

“I honestly didn't even expect that,” Thomas said. “I always go out there and give it my all. After being out of practice [injury] for two months, it's been hard.I had to come back and try to focus and learn all the plays.”

The Lady Blazers flat out couldn't miss Monday night. 

VSU shot 93 percent from behind the arc (12-13) and 55 percent (34-62) from the field.

It took no time for the Lady Blazers to build a commanding lead.

Either team could get into any offensive groove during the first few minutes.

VSU was sparked once role players Courtney Sprague and Georgia Southern transfer Maggie Davis checked in seven minutes into the game.

The Lady Blazers quickly went on a 20-6 scoring run following the substitution.

TBC didn't have an answer on how to slow down VSU's new-look offense.

It only got worse for the Eagles when Thomas caught fire.

Thomas's buzzer beater concluded the first half - VSU had a 58-29 advantage at halftime.

The Eagles failed to adjust in the second half – their shooting percentage from field decreased from 45 percent to 20 percent.

Meanwhile, VSU stretched its lead as much as 59 points in the second half on the way to sealing a overwhelming victory.

Lady Blazers Kamyia Smith and Courtney Sprague along with newcomers Jordan Waugh, Maggie Davis, and Reshaundra Owens all finished in double figures.

"This is only game one,” head coach Kiley Hill said. “We have a lot of kids I feel confident about. I think this was a great confidence builder. If we can stay healthy, we'll have a chance to be pretty good. Again, this is only game one."

Former Albany State star April Thomas dropped a game-high 26 points off the bench in her Valdosta State (1-0) debut as the Lady Blazers coasted to 96-50 rout over Trinty Baptist College (0-3) on opening night.

Thomas entered the game less than 10 minutes into the game after sitting out the starting lineup.

The transfer guard drained three shots in a row from three-point range to push VSU's early lead to a demanding one.

“I honestly didn't even expect that,” Thomas said. “I always go out there and give it my all. After being out of practice for two months, it's been hard.I had to come back and try to focus and learn all the plays.”

The Lady Blazers flat out couldn't miss.

VSU shot 93 percent from behind the arc (12-13) and 55 percent (34-62) from the field.

It took no time for the Lady Blazers to build a commanding lead.

Either team could get into any offensive groove during the first few minutes.

VSU was sparked once role players Courtney Sprague and Georgia Southern transfer Maggie Davis checked in seven minutes into the game.

The Lady Blazers quickly went on a 20-6 scoring run following the substitution.

TBC didn't have an answer on how to slow down VSU's new-look offense.

It only got worse for the Eagles when Thomas caught fire.

Thomas's buzzer beater concluded the first half - VSU had a 58-29 advantage at halftime.

The Eagles failed to adjust in the second half – their shooting percentage from field decreased from 45 percent to 20 percent.

Meanwhile, VSU stretched its lead as much as 59 points in the second half on the way to sealing a overwhelming victory.

Lady Blazers Kamyia Smith and Courtney Sprague along with newcomers Jordan Waugh, Maggie Davis, and Reshaundra Owens all finished in double figures.

"This is only game one,” head coach Kiley Hill said. “We have a lot of kids I feel confident about. I think this was a great confidence builder. If we can stay healthy, we'll have a chance to be pretty good. Again, this is only game one."

VSU hosts Webber International on Saturday. Tip off is set for 4 p.m.