VALDOSTA, Ga. - Thomas dropped its final exhibition this year at Valdosta State (Ga.), 70-35, on Monday evening inside The Complex. The Night Hawks resume Sun Conference play Wednesday against Webber International (Fla.) inside Turner Athletic Center on the campus of Warner (Fla.).

"The Lady Blazers played very well and showed why they're off to a good start this season," Thomas coach Myron Brown said. "These exhibitions against quality opponents make us a tougher team in the long run. That's what we take away from nights like tonight."

Valdosta State (6-3) picked up its second win in as many nights.

The Night Hawks struck first in the opening minute with a layup by Daycia Bandy, but the Lady Blazers connected on their first four shots, including three from deep, and led 17-10 at the end of the first quarter.

Valdosta State opened up the game in the second and third quarters, outscoring Thomas a combined 37-14. Thomas' Samantha Gilbert tallied seven of her team-high 12 points in the first 20 minutes, but the Lady Blazers led 37-19 at halftime on the strength of 46.7 percent (14-of-30) shooting, including 5-of-11 from deep, in the period. 

Madi Mitchell sparked Valdosta State with 17 points on 8-of-14 shooting, while Kenya Samone' Dixon added 15 points and 10 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the year. Taylor Buie had 10 points.

Bandy finished with eight points on a 4-of-6 effort from the field. Alexis Moody had six points. Arianna Anderson pulled down five rebounds, while Moody grabbed four.