VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State softball team returns to Gulf South Conference play this weekend with a road series against Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama. The series begins with a doubleheader on Friday, March 20, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. ET, followed by the series finale on Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m. ET.

The Blazers enter the weekend with a 14-12 overall record after splitting a midweek doubleheader against Rollins on Wednesday at Steel's Diamond at Blazer Park.

Valdosta State opened the day with a strong 6-2 victory behind an explosive first inning and a dominant performance in the circle. After Rollins took an early 1-0 lead, the Blazers responded with a six-run bottom half of the first to seize control of the game.

Saylor McNearney and Annalise Buncy reached base to set the tone before Charlotte Phillips delivered an RBI single to tie the game. Jayme Prandine followed with a three-run triple to give VSU a 4-1 lead, and Krisley Arnold capped the rally with a two-run double to extend the advantage to 6-1.

That early offensive surge was backed by a complete-game effort from Savannah Barfield, who allowed just two runs—only one earned—on five hits while striking out six to secure the win.

In game two, the Blazers were locked in a tightly contested battle that extended into extra innings. Valdosta State jumped out to an early lead as McNearney doubled and later scored on an RBI groundout by Prandine in the first inning.

The Blazers added to their lead in the second, capitalizing on a Rollins error before Buncy drove in two runs with a single to give VSU a 3-1 advantage.

Rollins rallied late, tying the game in the seventh on an RBI single, before ultimately taking a 4-3 win in the eighth on a go-ahead home run. Giselle Portanova took the loss after pitching six innings in relief, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out three. Despite the loss, Buncy led the offense with two RBIs.

Valdosta State now turns its focus to a challenging conference matchup against a surging Montevallo squad that enters the weekend with a 22-6 overall record and a 7-5 mark in GSC play.

The Falcons are coming off a series win over West Alabama, highlighted by strong pitching performances and timely hitting. Montevallo opened the series with a 5-3 victory behind a complete-game effort from Taylor Lloyd, who also made history by becoming the program's all-time career strikeout leader.

After dropping the first game of Saturday's doubleheader in extra innings, Montevallo bounced back in the series finale with a 3-2 win. Lloyd again led the way in the circle, tossing a complete game while striking out ten to earn her 15th win of the season.

Offensively, the Falcons have been led by Bentlee Stiner and Riley Tyree, who both contributed key hits and RBIs during the series, while Makayla Peters has also provided production in the middle of the lineup.

With both teams entering the weekend with momentum, the series sets up as an important early test in Gulf South Conference play. The Blazers will look to carry over their offensive production and strong pitching performances as they aim to pick up key road wins.

First pitch for Friday's doubleheader is set for 2 p.m. ET, with the series concluding on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.