Blazers victorious in home opener

It only took a few innings for Valdosta State to start looking like the sixth best team in the country.

A seven-run scoring onslaught in the third inning pushed the Blazers to a strong lead that was enough to outlast Flager College 13-5 in the Game one home opener at Blazer Park.

No. 6 VSU starting pitcher Brianna Hancock went 3.2 innings before being relieved by Caitlyn Calhoun, who picks up her second win of the season.

After giving up two base hits and hitting a batter, Hancock found herself in early trouble in the second inning.

With the bases loaded, an errant throw by freshman catch Morgan Butler allowed the Saints to drive in the contest's first run.

Flager second baseman Lauren Bessent's base hit single during the next at bat gave the visitors a 2-0 lead.

The Blazers found their stroke in the third inning however, tallying seven runs which gave them a comfortable lead after they entered down two runs.

Senior left fielder April Collins sparked the onslaught with the first of the side's six hits.

Gulf South Conference two-time Player of the Year recipient Courtney Albritton went yard thereafter for her third home run already this season.

Freshman second baseman Chelsea Canara didn't waste anytime to go yard herself on the next at bat.

Canara's second long ball of the season gave VSU a 3-2 advantage. And the Blazers were far from done.

Rusen kept the scoring train rolling with a base hit, which set up designated hitter Karson King two-run shot that sailed over the left field fence.

Saints starting pitcher Kalyn Loverich's outing came to an end after walking VSU shortstop Shelby Altman on the following at bat.

Tinsley Smith replaced Loverich on the mound but right fielder Fran Johnson made the most of being the first batter Smith faced upon entering the game.

Johnson recorded a triple that drove in two runs extending VSU's lead more before the side finally ended.

Blazers designated hitter Kiley Rusen went yard for her first home run of the year to lead off the fourth inning. Bessett drove in her second RBI during the bottom of the inning.

In the fifth, with the score 8-3, the Saints managed to cut their deficit on center fielder Melanie Oliver's two-RBI single, their first runs since the second inning.

Albritton and Rusen both tacked on another RBI each on back to back hits to open the sixth inning.

Altman concluded game one (mercy rule) with a 2-RBI homer - her first home run of the season.

VSU finished with 10 hits compared to FC's five.

Loverich, who came into the game following a shutout win on Sunday, loses her second game of the season (1-2).