SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Valdosta State softball team struggled offensively on Sunday, dropping a doubleheader at Saint Leo, 3-1 and 10-1.  The Blazers fell to 4-7 overall, while Saint Leo improved to 7-3.
 
SAINT LEO 3, VALDOSTA STATE 1 (GAME ONE)
The theme of getting runners on base continued for the Blazers on Sunday, but VSU were unable to score with two free passes in the first inning and then loaded the bases with three more walks, but a double play ended the threat. 
 
Saint Leo registered the first hit of the game with a single up the middle from Hope Epps.  She then stole second and scored on a Briana Neal RBI single.  Neal stole second and scored on a single from Sydney Cline for a 2-0 lead.  VSU prevented further damage with a double play of its own to end the frame.
 
Blazer freshman Krisley Arnold laced a single to center for the first hit for VSU of the game in the top of the fourth but was left stranded for the fifth of the game.  SLU used a two out single from Marissa Martinez and advanced on a wild pitch, before scoring on a single from Shyanne Walker for a 3-0 lead.
 
Blazer senior Carly Bogart began the top of the sixth with a single to left for the second hit of the game by VSU.  A sacrifice bunt moved Bogart to second and the second out moved her to third with two out.  VSU cashed in with a single from junior Charlotte Phillips, plating Bogart for a 3-1 deficit. 
 
Valdosta State graduate starting pitcher Claire Maulding retired the Lions in order giving VSU one last chance in the top of the seventh.  Saint Leo starter Haleigh Thomas retired the first two batters, but junior Saylor McNearey reached on an error, giving the Blazers new life, but senior Aniston Gano flied out to center ending the game. 
 
The Blazers finished with one run on three hits with eight left on base, while Saint Leo had three runs on six hits, one error and left three stranded.  Maulding (4-3) took the loss going six innings, allowing six hits, three earned runs and fanned three.  Thomas (4-1) earned the win, going seven innings, allowing three hits, one earned run, walked five and fanned four.  Phillips was 1 for 3 for VSU with the lone RBI.   
 
SAINT LEO 10, VALDOSTA STATE 1 (GAME TWO)
The Blazers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first with a leadoff walk to junior Rachael Lee, while senior Aniston Gano, Bogart and Arnold all were hit by pitches for a 1-0 lead. 
 
SLU plated ten runs in the bottom of the second to blow the game open on seven hits and one error.  VSU tallied its only two hits of the game in the top of the fifth as Gano singled up the middle and Bogart singled to center but the Blazers were unable to score. 
 
VSU returns home to prepare for the beginning of Gulf South Conference play next weekend at Union in Jackson, Tenn.  VSU then will open the 2025 home slate, Sat., Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. for a doubleheader at Steel's Diamond at Blazer Park.