JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University women's basketball team lost to Valdosta State University 66-58 in the 2022 NCAA D2 South Region Championship game Monday evening at Fred DeLay Gymnasium/David Blackstock court. Union ended its season 28-3, while Valdosta State improved to 26-5. 
 
The Blazers of Valdosta State move on to Birmingham, Ala. to compete in the D2 Elite Eight.
 
Union head coach Mark Campbell said, "Congratulations to Valdosta State. They played better than us and shot better than us. To have all of our three seniors choose to come back this season and play basketball has been the most fun. This second semester has been the most favorite because of the people that have been envolved."

The Blazers struck first and took an early lead at the beginning of the game. Later in the quarter, Union tied the game up at 10 apiece with 2:43 to go in the first quarter. The first quarter ended with Valdosta State on top 17-12. Valdosta State never trailed in the game. 

After trailing by 14 points, 33-19, at the half, Union rallied back in the third quarter. Union outscored Valdosta State 17-12 in the third and got as close as three points in the quarter. However, the Lady Blazers proved it was their night, making the big shots when needed to keep Union from completing the comeback. 
 
Valdosta was led by Kwajelin Farrar who had 19 points. The Blazers shot 44 percent (20-45) from the field and 38.5 percent (5-13) from beyond the arc.
 
Valdosta outrebounded Union 39-19, the Blazers were led by Nicole Heyn who recorded a double-double with 16 rebounds.
 
Union was led by Shanique Lucas who had 19 points. The Lady Bulldogs shot 39 percent (22-56) from the field and 28 percent (7-25) from the three-point line. Jaelencia Williams led Union on the boards with nine. Williams and Baker added 12 points each. Williams and Baker were also named to the all-tournament team.
 
-UNION-