Valdosta, Ga. – The Valdosta State softball team returns to action Tuesday, April 7, as the Blazers host Georgia Southwestern for a non-conference doubleheader at Steel's Diamond at Blazer Park. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
Valdosta State enters the midweek matchup with a 16–19 overall record after splitting a weekend Gulf South Conference series against Auburn Montgomery. The Blazers dropped the series opener 8–3 on Friday before bouncing back with a dominant 9–1 win in Saturday's first game, then fell 12–5 in the finale.
Despite the series loss, Valdosta State showed flashes of offensive firepower throughout the weekend.
Chloe Eichelberger led the way in game one of Saturday's doubleheader, going 2-for-2 with two home runs and five RBIs, while
Charlotte Phillips added a pair of home runs across the series, including a solo shot in the opener.
Cailyn Cooke also provided a spark, turning in a 2-for-3 performance with a home run in Friday's contest.
In the circle,
Giselle Portanova highlighted the weekend with a strong outing in the Blazers' 9–1 victory, allowing just two hits and one run over five innings. Valdosta State's pitching staff will look to build on that performance after facing a tough Auburn Montgomery lineup that produced 16 hits in Saturday's finale.
Georgia Southwestern enters Tuesday's doubleheader at 13–20 overall and has struggled in recent outings, dropping seven straight games and 14 of its last 15 against Columbus State. The Hurricanes were swept in a Peach Belt Conference series over the weekend, falling 8–0 in the opener before dropping a tightly contested 6–5 game despite holding a late lead.
Offensively, Georgia Southwestern is led by Madison Banks, who went 3-for-6 with two runs scored in Saturday's doubleheader, while Kendall Huelsman added a home run and two RBIs. Peyton Namyslowski also provides power in the lineup, highlighted by a three-run home run in game two against Columbus State.
The matchup presents an opportunity for both teams to regain momentum. Valdosta State will aim to carry over its offensive production from Saturday's win, while tightening up defensively after costly errors proved decisive in recent losses. Meanwhile, Georgia Southwestern will look to snap its losing streak and build on the offensive rhythm it showed late in the weekend.
First pitch for Tuesday's doubleheader is set for 3 p.m. ET at Steel's Diamond, as the Blazers return home looking to get back on track in front of their home crowd.