VALDOSTA – Following a clutch pitching performance against the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers on Sunday, Valdosta State softball’s Kathryn Carter picked up her 12th win of the 2017 season and earned Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Week honors, as announced by the league office on Tuesday.

Valdosta State entered Sunday’s matchup in desperate need of a strong outing, and Carter helped the Blazers meet that need with a complete game shutout. The dazzling 7.0 inning performance marked the second game of the season during which the freshman righty went the distance. With only three hits allowed in the contest, Carter won the game 9-0 to improve to 12-2 on the season.

Carter’s effort perfectly complemented a stellar offensive outing for the Blazers that included 16 Valdosta State hits and three multi-run innings. In addition, the Blazer defense did not commit an error in the field, which provided plenty of support to Carter throughout the best outing of her young career.

Next up for Valdosta State, it’s a three-game set against West Georgia within the friendly confines of Steel’s Diamond at Blazer Park. The matchup is set to kick off with a Friday doubleheader at 4:00 p.m. in Valdosta, Ga.