VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State softball team continues its early-season road swing this weekend as the Blazers travel to Saint Augustine, Florida, for the Old Coast Classic, facing host Flagler along with No. 20 Saint Leo and Chowan in a four-game slate across Friday and Saturday at Flagler College.

Valdosta State (1-5) enters the weekend looking to build consistency after a challenging road doubleheader at No. 6 North Georgia. Despite falling 14-6 and 17-8, the Blazers showcased explosive offensive production. Senior Saylor McNearney was electric at the plate, finishing the doubleheader 5-for-6 with five runs scored, four RBI, two home runs, and a double. She opened game one with a leadoff homer and later added a three-run blast. Senior Rachael Lee also homered in the opener, while junior Alyssa Vallad launched a three-run shot in game two and finished with four RBI. Charlotte Phillips delivered a three-run double in the nightcap as VSU demonstrated its ability to score in bunches.

While the offense has shown promise, the Blazers will look to tighten defensive execution and pitching consistency heading into this weekend.   Valdosta State opens the tournament Friday at 1:30 p.m., against host Flagler (0-4). The Saints are coming off a doubleheader sweep at the hands of Florida Tech (11-4, 4-3), but showed competitive stretches throughout both games. Emily Ricci and Hannah Smith led the offense with multiple hits in the twin bill, and Flagler nearly completed a late comeback in game two before leaving the tying run stranded in a 4-3 loss. Despite the record, the Saints have demonstrated speed on the bases and timely hitting that could present challenges early in the tournament.

Later Friday, VSU faces No. 20 Saint Leo (4-1-1) at 6:30 p.m. The Lions are coming off an eventful doubleheader against Mississippi College. Saint Leo erased a four-run deficit to secure a dramatic 7–6 walk-off victory in game one, highlighted by multi-hit performances from Maddie Antioco and Abigail Hynes. In game two, the Lions and Choctaws played to a 2–2 tie after six innings due to travel constraints, marking just the second tie in program history. Saint Leo has shown resilience, timely hitting, and strong pitching, making it one of the top tests in the field.

Valdosta State returns Saturday at 10 a.m. against Chowan (1-1). The Hawks opened their season with a 4–2 victory over Felician before falling 6–0 to Kutztown. In the win, Chowan combined seven hits with steady pitching from Mackenzie Curry, who tossed six strong innings to earn the victory. Abby Rutledge added a save in relief. Offensively, Kyra Helton, Kaitlyn Springle, and Curry sparked a key three-run fourth inning. In game two, Chowan was limited offensively but received solid relief work late in the contest. The Hawks bring balanced pitching depth and disciplined situational hitting into the matchup.

The Blazers close the tournament Saturday at 3 p.m. with a second meeting against Saint Leo to close the tournament.

The Old Coast Classic presents a pivotal early-season opportunity for Valdosta State. The Blazers have proven they can generate offense against high-level competition, particularly through power hitting and run production in the middle of the lineup. The key this weekend will be combining that offensive spark with improved defensive consistency and efficient work in the circle.

With four games in two days against a competitive field that includes a ranked opponent, a hungry host squad, and a disciplined Chowan team, the Blazers will be tested in both depth and resilience. If Valdosta State can convert offensive momentum into complete-game performances, the Old Coast Classic could serve as a turning point as the season continues