The GSW women's basketball team rallied from a 12-point second half deficit to pull out a 59-55 win over Valdosta State on Sunday afternoon in the Storm Dorm.

The Lady Hurricanes, who trailed by as much as 16 points in the contest, methodically chipped away at the VSU lead over a nine-minute span in the second stanza to take their first lead of the game with 1:38 to go. Southwestern connected on six consecutive free throws over the final 41 seconds to seal the victory.

It was the first Georgia Southwestern win over the Lady Blazers since 1997. Over the past four meetings between the schools, GSW had been outscored by an average of 25 points per game.

Both teams struggled to find the mark on Sunday, as GSW shot 30 percent (20-of-66) from the floor and VSU connected on 35 percent (19-of-55) of their attempts. A 28-18 second half rebounding advantage helped the Lady ‘Canes finish plus-two for the game (48-46).

Four Hurricane starters scored in double figures with nine points coming from the fifth starter. Whitley Wiltz posted her first double-double of the season with 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Jessica Bivins and Terra Branch each scored 12 points while Brittany Reynolds had 11 point and eight boards.

Alli Jones led Valdosta State (2-4) with 16 points. Brittany Daniels added 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Sunday marked the 21st meeting between the two programs. The Lady Hurricanes are now 4-17 all-time against VSU.

Southwestern (3-2) begins a three-game road trip on Tuesday at Brenau University.

PICTURED: Whitley Wiltz

PHOTO BY: Chris Fenn