FLORENCE, Ala. – After being no-hit by North Alabama ace Hillary Carpenter one day prior, the Valdosta State softball team turned the tide and lit into the junior with four second inning runs, which led to a 6-1 Gulf South Conference victory over the Lions in Florence, Ala. on Saturday.
The big second inning for the Blazers started with a Taylor Hartenbachsingle, before she promptly advanced to second on a passed ball and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Brandy Morgan. Lauren Shawfollowed with an RBI double to put the Blazers on the board, and Chelsea Canara kept the line moving with a single to place runners at the corners. Two batters later, Jaime Phillips walked to load the bases, and Kiley Rusen picked up an RBI with a bases loaded walk.Hayley Cruthers crushed a two out double in the ensuing at-bat to drive in two more and give the Blazers a 4-0 advantage.
The scoring barrage chased Carpenter after two, and freshman Hannah Bodenhorn came on in the third for the Lions. Bodenhorn quieted the Blazer bats for the next four innings, but VSU added on in the top of the final inning on a two run blast off the bat of Heather Robinson, which represented her first long ball of the season.
North Alabama’s only run came in the bottom of the third, when Anna Gayle Norris connected for a solo shot. The home run accounted for the only run allowed by Blazer righty Caitlyn Calhoun, who picked up her fifth win of the season to improve to 5-1.
The loss for Carpenter marked her first of the 2016 season and dropped the pitcher to 5-1 on the year.
With the victory, Valdosta State improved to 7-3-1 overall and 1-2 in GSC play. Meanwhile, the Lions fell to 13-2 on the year and 2-1 in conference play after the league opening weekend series against the Blazers.
Valdosta State now turns their attention to a midweek regional doubleheader against Albany State, scheduled for Wednesday, February 17th at 1:00 p.m. in Albany, Ga. Look for live coverage at www.vstateblazers.com.
