Valdosta, Ga - Valdosta State sweeps in doubleheader versus Union in impressive fashion Friday at Steel's Diamond, with a 1-0 win in game one followed by a 5-1 victory in game two. The Blazers leaned on dominant pitching performances and timely execution in both contests to secure the sweep and build momentum heading into the last game of the regular season and postseason play.
Game 1: Valdosta State 1, Union 0
Game one unfolded as a classic pitcher's duel, with
Alyssa Vallad delivering a masterclass performance in the circle. Vallad threw a complete-game shutout, scattering five hits across seven innings while striking out two and issuing no walks. She worked efficiently throughout, consistently getting ahead in counts and forcing weak contact, while the Blazers' defense played flawlessly behind her, committing zero errors and turning a key double play to erase a Union threat.
Offensively, Valdosta State manufactured the game's only run in the third inning through patience and aggressive baserunning.
Saylor McNearney reached base and later advanced into scoring position, while
Charlotte Phillips also applied pressure on the basepaths with a stolen base. With runners in position, Vallad helped her own cause by lifting a sacrifice fly to bring McNearney home for the 1-0 lead. Despite recording just four hits, the Blazers made the most of their opportunities, drawing four walks and swiping multiple bases to create scoring chances. Rachel Lee led the offense with a 2-for-3 performance, including a double, while
Evie Pitts and
Adrianna Portanova each contributed a hit. Vallad took care of the rest, closing out the seventh inning by stranding a runner and sealing the shutout victory.
Game 2: Valdosta State 5, Union 1
The Blazers carried that momentum into game two and wasted no time taking control, erupting for three runs in the bottom of the first inning.
Chloe Eichelberger ignited the offense with a solo home run to right-center field, setting the tone early. Later in the frame,
Evie Pitts delivered an RBI triple to drive in a run, and
Charlotte Phillips followed with an RBI single to cap the three-run outburst and give Valdosta State an immediate 3-0 advantage.
Valdosta State continued to apply pressure in the second inning, using disciplined at-bats to extend the lead. After working multiple baserunners on, Rachel Lee came through with an RBI single to push the advantage to 4-1. In the third inning,
Cailyn Cooke added insurance with a solo home run to left field, stretching the lead to 5-1 and giving the Blazers breathing room. Cooke finished with two hits and an RBI, while Eichelberger, Pitts, Phillips, and Lee each drove in runs as part of a balanced offensive effort that produced seven hits.
In the circle,
Savannah Barfield matched the tone set in game one with a strong complete-game performance of her own. Barfield allowed just one run on seven hits while striking out three and walking none, effectively limiting Union's ability to string together offense. Even when the Lady Bulldogs put runners on base, Barfield remained composed, inducing ground balls and key outs to escape jams. The Blazers' defense backed her with steady play, and together they held Union scoreless over the final four innings to secure the 5-1 win and complete the doubleheader sweep.
With the pair of victories, Valdosta State showcased a complete team effort—combining elite pitching, opportunistic offense, and clean defense—providing a strong foundation as the Blazers turn their attention toward postseason competition.
The Blazers return to Steel's Diamond tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. ET for their finale regular season game and to celebrate their senior's on Senior Day.
