The Valdosta State softball team battled late but ultimately fell 5-3 to Lee University in the Gulf South Conference series opener Friday afternoon at Butler Field in Cleveland, Tennessee. 

Lee (14-28, 7-15 GSC) wasted no time jumping out in front, using a two-run home run from Addi Lewis in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 2-0 lead. The Flames added to their advantage in the second on a solo home run by Madison Pinzon, and pushed the lead to 4-0 in the third when Sadie Winsett connected on another solo shot. 

Valdosta State (18-20, 10-12 GSC) struggled to generate offense early against Lee starter Kaylee Underwood, who held the Blazers scoreless through the first four innings. The Blazers' first real threat came in the fourth when Chloe Eichelberger doubled to left field and Saylor McNearney reached base twice, but Lee was able to escape the inning unscathed. 

The Blazers broke through in the fifth inning, sparked by a pinch-hit solo home run from Evie Pitts to cut the deficit to 4-1. Later in the inning, McNearney delivered a single that, combined with a Lee fielding error, allowed another run to score and trimmed the margin to 4-2. 

However, Lee answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning as Hailey Simco launched a solo home run to center field, extending the lead back to three runs at 5-2. 

Valdosta State made one final push in the seventh inning. After McNearney doubled and Adrianna Portanova advanced into scoring position, Charlotte Phillips came through with an RBI single to right field to bring the Blazers within two. The rally continued with runners on base, but Lee reliever Layne Bailey was able to induce the final out and secure the save. 

McNearney led the Blazers offensively, going 2-for-2 with two walks and a double, while Pitts provided a key spark with her pinch-hit home run. Phillips also contributed with an RBI, and Krisley Arnold added two hits in the loss. 

In the circle, Giselle Portanova (5-5) took the loss after allowing four runs on five hits over 2.1 innings. Alyssa Vallad provided solid relief, tossing 3.2 innings and striking out five while giving up just one run. 

Lee finished with five runs on seven hits, powered by four home runs, while Valdosta State matched the Flames with seven hits but could not overcome the early deficit. 

The two teams will continue the conference series with a doubleheader on Saturday, with the first pitch being thrown at 1 pm E.T.