VALDOSTA, Ga. – The No. 25 Valdosta State women's basketball team pulled away from visiting Palm Beach Atlantic in the second half for a 75-58 victory in the season-opener for both teams. First-year Lady Blazer head coach Chandler Merkerson won her first game as head coach. Lady Blazer senior newcomer Aryana Hicks finished her debut with 20 points on 8 of 13 from the field and 4 of 4 from the line.