Oxford, Ala. - Valdosta State's 2026 season came to a close Thursday afternoon with a hard-fought 5-4 loss to Alabama Huntsville in an elimination game at the Gulf South Conference Tournament at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama. In a back-and-forth contest that featured 22 combined hits and multiple lead changes, the Blazers rallied late but ultimately could not hold off UAH in the final inning.
Alabama Huntsville struck first, plating single runs in each of the first three innings to build a 3-1 lead. The Chargers opened the scoring in the first on a sacrifice fly by Mia Brown, then added another run in the second on an RBI single from Baylee Darby. In the third, Alexa Douthitt delivered an RBI single to extend the advantage. Valdosta State broke through in the top of the third when
Saylor McNearney doubled and later scored on a
Chloe Eichelberger RBI double, cutting the deficit to 2-1 at the time.
The Blazers continued to battle and found their rhythm offensively in the sixth inning. After
Cailyn Cooke doubled and
Adrianna Portanova reached on a single, McNearney came through again with a clutch two-RBI double to tie the game at 3-3. Valdosta State carried that momentum into the seventh inning when Eichelberger led off with another double and later scored on a sacrifice fly by
Alyssa Vallad, giving the Blazers their first lead of the day at 4-3.
However, the lead was short-lived. In the bottom of the seventh, UAH quickly responded with a decisive rally. Baylee Darby opened the inning with a double, and after a single and hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, Douthitt delivered again with a two-RBI double to left field, driving in the tying and go-ahead runs. The Chargers' late surge proved to be the difference as Valdosta State was unable to answer in the final frame.
Offensively, the Blazers produced 12 hits in the game, highlighted by McNearney's two doubles and two RBIs. Eichelberger also had a strong outing with three hits, including two doubles and an RBI, while Cooke added three hits and Phillips chipped in two more. Despite the offensive production, Valdosta State left nine runners on base and could not capitalize in key moments late.
In the circle,
Giselle Portanova and
Savannah Barfield combined to keep the Blazers within striking distance through six innings before
Alyssa Vallad took the loss after allowing two runs in the seventh. Alabama Huntsville's Katie Bracken earned the win in relief, closing out the final inning after Megan Shurtz allowed four runs over six innings.
With the loss, Valdosta State concludes its season with a 24-26 record, showing resilience throughout the year and battling until the final inning of postseason play.
