Valdosta, Ga. – The Valdosta State softball team dropped its Gulf South Conference series opener to Auburn Montgomery, 8-3, Friday evening at Steel's Diamond at Blazer Park.
The Blazers fell to 15-18 on the season, while the Warhawks improved to 29-5, using a big fifth inning to pull away after a tightly contested start.
Valdosta State matched Auburn Montgomery early, answering an unearned run in the top of the first with a solo home run from
Charlotte Phillips to even the score at 1-1. The Blazers then took the lead in the second inning when
Cailyn Cooke launched a solo home run to give VSU a 2-1 advantage.
After both teams were held scoreless over the next two innings, Valdosta State added to its lead in the fourth.
Carly Bogart worked a walk and advanced into scoring position before coming home on an RBI fielder's choice by Rachel Lee, extending the Blazer lead to 3-1.
Auburn Montgomery responded in a decisive way in the fifth inning, capitalizing on multiple defensive miscues by the Blazers. The Warhawks scored five runs in the frame, highlighted by a two-run double from Rebecca Komers and an RBI single from Reese Cauley to take a 6-3 lead.
The Warhawks added two more runs in the sixth inning, taking advantage of wild pitches and another Valdosta State error to extend the margin to 8-3.
Valdosta State was unable to generate a comeback down the stretch, despite collecting six hits in the contest. Cooke led the Blazers with a 2-for-3 performance and a home run, while Phillips added a home run and an RBI. Rachel Lee chipped in with a hit and an RBI, and
Saylor McNearney added a hit in the loss.
In the circle,
Savannah Barfield was charged with the loss after allowing six runs—only two earned—over 4.1 innings of work.
Alyssa Vallad and
Toree Wofford combined to provide relief for the Blazers, with Wofford tossing 1.2 scoreless innings to close out the game.
Auburn Montgomery was led offensively by Komers and Cauley, who combined for four hits and four RBIs, while Chloe Baynes scored three runs and reached base multiple times.
Valdosta State will look to bounce back as the series continues Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m. ET.
