VALDOSTA, Ga. — The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team fell to Valdosta State, 62-59, despite forcing 10 steals and scoring 20 points off turnovers.

The game was tied at 59 with 27 seconds left to play. The Blazers connected on an open look from three to take a 62-59 lead with just over five seconds left. The Sailfish had two attempts to tie it, but unfortunately for PBA, both were off the mark. 

Anabel Ellison scored 13 points and collected seven rebounds while also recording three steals. KB Hadley finished with 13 points and contributed two steals. Breeje Schuler added 11 points, made five of seven free throws, and registered two steals. Blanche Toualeu posted seven points and recorded two blocks.

PBA started strong, opening with a 6–0 lead, highlighted by Hadley's layup at 7:34 assisted by Ellison. Darria Whitley contributed early with a jumper and a steal, helping maintain momentum. Valdosta State managed to tie the game at 11, but the Sailfish regained a narrow lead with Schuler's free throws at 2:22. However, Valdosta State closed the first quarter with a 6–0 run, ending ahead 17–13.

The 'Fish surged with a 9–2 run midway through the second quarter, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Maren McCallister at 4:38. Hadley contributed significantly with a layup and a jumper, putting the 'Fish ahead 27–26. The quarter concluded with the 'Fish leading 27–26, capitalizing on defensive rebounds and a key steal by Schuler.

The Sailfish struggled with turnovers in the third quarter, committing eight, which limited their scoring opportunities. Despite the setbacks, Ellison provided a spark with a late fast-break layup at 0:59, bringing them within five points. However, VSU's Erin Whalen hit a critical 3-pointer with 39 seconds left, extending the Blazers' lead. The quarter concluded with the Blazers leading 45–37.

The Sailfish attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, sparked by Ellison's layup and free throw at 8:57, closing the gap to 45–40. The team continued to apply pressure, with Maddie Wallhoff's 3-pointer at 4:59 narrowing the Blazers' lead to 51–48. Despite tying the game at 59 with Ellison's jumper at 0:27, the late 3-pointer by Valdosta State's Whalen sealed the outcome. The Sailfish edged the quarter 22–17, but ultimately fell short as the game concluded with a 62–59 loss.

PBA narrowly outshot VSU from the field, 43 percent to 39 percent; however, the Blazers converted on three more 3-point attempts than PBA. The hosts won the rebounding battle 35-31, including 12 offensive rebounds leading to 11 second-chance points. The turnover battle was even at 18 each.

The Sailfish return to West Palm Beach for their home opener on Wednesday. The game in Rubin Arena is set for 5:30 p.m.