GULF SHORES, Ala. —Valdosta State softball team came up just short in a 3–2 loss in the season-opener for both teams in the Gulf Shores Tournament Friday afternoon.  VSU now turns its attention to No. 18 Rogers State (Okla.) for a 3:15 p.m. ET contest Friday.
 
Spring Hill built an early advantage in the bottom of the first inning, scoring two runs on three hits, including a two-run homerun from Meredith Fontenot for a 2-0 lead.  SHC pitcher Bethany Ahrens had the Blazers' number during the early going, retiring eight of the first nine with a lone walk.
 
The Blazers' pitching staff responded as junior newcomer Alyssa Vallad delivered four strong innings in relief, allowing just three hits while striking out two and keeping the game within reach.  In the fourth, sophomore Krisley Arnold delivered the Blazers' only hit of the game to begin the frame.  VSU had runners at second and third in the inning, but were unable to score.
 
In the fifth, the Blazers evened the score by capitalizing on a Badger miscue, plating two runs with the bases loaded and two out for a 2-2 ledger.  SHC scored the eventual winning run in the sixth off Blazer junior reliever Madison VanAllen on a fielder's choice.  The Blazers were returned by Ahrens in order in the seventh.
 
VanAllen (0-1) took the loss, pitching the sixth allowing two hits and one run, while Vallad went four innings, allowing three hits and fanning two.  Ahrens (1-0) allowed the one hit, two runs – one earned, walked six and had three strikeouts.