HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Behind a pair of RBI singles from senior Aniston Gano, a solo home run from junior Saylor McNearney and a strong outing in the circle from graduate student Claire Maulding, the Valdosta State softball team posted a 3-2 victory Sunday afternoon at Alabama Huntsville to win two of three games in the series. 
 
Gano finished the game 3 for 4 with two RBI and a double, while McNearney was 2 for 2 with three runs scored, one RBI and two walks.  Maulding (6-6) went all eight innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, walked six and fanned three.  The Blazers (8-11, 4-4 GSC) had seven hits in the game as freshman Krisley Arnold was 2 for 4 for all seven hits.
 
The Chargers (11-10, 5-4 GSC) finished with two runs on five hits as Lauren Hayes was 2 for 3 with two runs scored and a walk, while Maddie Cartron was 2 for 3 with two RBI and a walk.  UAH pitcher Lydia West (1-1) took the loss in seven innings, allowing five hits, three earned runs, walked two and fanned four. 
 
VSU won its first series in Huntsville since May 16-17, 2014, in the NCAA Super Regional and the first time in a regular season three-game series since Apr. 5-6, 1997.  Prior to Saturday, VSU had lost seven-straight in Huntsville overall.
 
The Blazers got things started in the first inning Sunday as McNearney began the game with a solo home run two left center on the third pitch of the game.  West then struck out the side following the round-tripper.  The Chargers responded in the bottom of the inning as Hayes singled to begin the game and then Cartron scored her on a two out, RBI single to left field for a 1-1 score. 
 
In the third, McNearney walked with one out and a ground out moved her to second, before Gano laced a single up the middle for a 2-1 score.  Once again, UAH had the answer in the bottom of the inning as Hayes began the frame with a single and a sacrifice bunt moved her to second.  Cartron then singled her home for the second time and a 2-2 score. 
 
Maulding stranded two Chargers in the third following the score and two more in the fourth with runners at second and third.  The game remained 2-2 heading to the bottom of the seventh.  Maulding got two quick outs, but an infield single and a walk followed, but the Blazers induced a fielder's choice for the third out sending the game to extra-innings.
 
In the eighth, McNearney began the frame with her second free pass and then stole second.  Gano drove her home with a first-pitch single to center.  The Blazers had a chance for more as Arnold singled own the line for two on, but a fielder's choice ended the threat.  Maulding retired the Chargers in order in the eighth for the win.
 
VSU returns home to host West Alabama on Mar. 8-9 at Steel's Diamond at Blazer Park with a doubleheader set for 1 p.m. on Mar. 8 and a single game at 1 p.m. on Mar. 9.