Valdosta State freshman pitcher Giselle Portanova, earns her first GSC freshman player of the week honors. 

Portanova turned in a strong stretch in the circle across five games last week, playing a key role in the Blazers' success with two victories and several key innings. Portanova highlighted her week with a complete-game performance against Columbus State on March 11, Portanova threw 7.0 innings while allowing five hits and three runs with two strikeouts, before following it up with 5.0 innings, five hits allowed, three runs, and four strikeouts in her victory over Delta State. These performances helped anchor the Blazers' pitching staff during the five-game stretch.

She continued her strong pitching in the opening game of the Gulf South Conference series against Delta State on March 14, earning the win after pitching five innings and allowing three runs on five hits while striking out four in Valdosta State's 8-3 victory. 

Portanova's success in the circle was backed by strong overall numbers across her two appearances during the week. The freshman right-hander posted a 2-0 record in 12.0 innings of work, allowing 10 hits and six runs (six earned) while issuing just two walks and striking out six batters. She held opponents to limited extra-base damage, surrendering only one double and two triples with no home runs, and finished the week with a 3.50 ERA across 154 total pitches.