Valdosta State tops Albany State softball 8-7

ALBANY — The Valdosta State Lady Blazers scored eight runs with eight consecutive hits in the first inning and then held off the Albany State Golden Rams to win 8-7 Tuesday at Albany State West.

The Blazers lit the ball up in the opening inning against Albany State’s freshman pitcher Lauren Lowery. After eight straight hits, Aryn McGowan came in and shut down the Blazers, keeping them scoreless the remainder of the game.

The Golden Rams responded in the bottom of the first with four runs to get back into the game. Mikiayah Harris walked and Keychelle Evans singled before Lavette Tucker doubled to center to score the first two for the Rams. One out later, with Tucker still at second, McGowan doubled to right field to send Tucker home. After McGowan moved to third, J.Norman then singled to score McGowan and bring the score to 8-4.

Harris smacked a solo home run in the second inning, the Golden Rams scored another run in the fifth and McGowan belted a home run in the seventh, but still fell one run short.

Albany State out hit Valdosta 14-10 and neither team committed an error.

Albany State will host Clark Atlanta in SIAC action Friday and Saturday at ASU West. Friday’s game begins at 3 p.m. and Saturday’s doubleheader starts at 1 p.m.