MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Valdosta State softball team dropped a 6-4 decision in the rubber-match at Christian Brothers Saturday afternoon.  Senior Aniston Gano belted two home runs in the contest and the Blazers hit three round-trippers for the game. 
 
The Blazers fell to 25-21 overall and 18-11 in Gulf South Conference play, while Christian Brothers improved to 17-28 overall and 8-22 in league play.
 
Things got off to a good start for the Blazers in the finale as Gano belted her 61^st career home run with two out in the first.  Senior Carly Bogart hit a home run also with two out in the second inning for a 2-0 lead.  A two out walk and a three-run home run from Abigail Garrison gave CBU a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the frame. 
 
Junior Jayme Prandine began the third with a walk and a sacrifice bunt moved her to second before senior Brandie Seber singled her home leveling the game at 3-3 in the third.  CBU would capitalize on an interference call in the bottom of the third and, with two out, Summer Alexander doubled home two runs for a 5-3 score. 
 
Gano blasted her second home run of the game with two out in the top of the fifth, pulling VSU within 5-4, but the third miscue of the game scored the sixth run for the Lady Bucs in the bottom of the fifth and a 6-4 final margin.
 
For the game, VSU had five hits with four runs scored and three errors, while CBU had six runs on five hits with one error.  Gano finished the game 2 for 2 with two runs scored, two home runs, a walk and two RBI.  Blazer graduate pitcher Claire Maulding fell to 19-12 overall going seven innings, allowing five hits, six runs – five earned, walked four and fanned six.   
 
The Blazers return home to host West Florida for Senior Weekend, beginning Friday with a single game at 5 p.m. at Steel's Diamond at Blazer Park, followed by a doubleheader Saturday at 1 p.m. for Senior Day to complete the regular season.