GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Valdosta State softball team dropped a 6-2 decision to No. 18 Rogers State Friday afternoon in the Gulf Shores Invitational.  

Rogers State struck quickly in the top of the first inning, capitalizing on traffic and a wild pitch before Kinsley Smith delivered a two-run single to left field, giving the Hillcats an early 2–0 lead. The pressure continued in the second inning, when Rogers State sent nine batters to the plate and scored four more runs on five hits, extending the advantage to 6–0.

Valdosta State junior starter Toree Wofford was tagged with the loss after working 1.2 innings, allowing six runs (five earned). Freshman Giselle Portanova entered in relief during the second inning and stabilized the game, turning in a strong outing over 5.1 scoreless innings. Portanova allowed six hits, struck out one, and did not surrender a run, giving the Blazers a chance to chip away the rest of the afternoon.

Offensively, Valdosta State began to find momentum in the fourth inning. Sophomore Chloe Eichelber drew a walk and was replaced by senior pinch runner Evie Pitts, who immediately swiped second base. After advancing to third on a groundout, Pitts scored on an RBI single by senior Adrianna Portanova, putting the Blazers on the board.

The Blazers added their second run in the sixth inning, when junior Annalise Buncy crushed a solo home run to center field for her first round-tripper as a Blazer, cutting the deficit to 6–2.

Valdosta State finished with four hits, highlighted by A. Portanova's 2-for-3 day with an RBI, and Buncy's home run accounted for the Blazers' other run. The Blazers also showed patience at the plate, drawing two walks and being hit by three pitches, but left seven runners on base.

Rogers State totaled 12 hits and was led by Saylor Brown (2 RBI), Jaden Jordan (2-for-4, 2 RBI), and Karlee Smith (3 RBI). In the circle, Kinsley Hill earned the win after tossing four innings, allowing one run on two hits. She was followed by Selena Zuniga and Erica Ross, who combined to close out the final three frames.