The Valdosta State Lady Blazers put up more runs against West Florida than they have against any other team this season on March 27 at home.
The Lady Blazers swept both games of the double-header winning 14-6 and 8-4, improving their record to 21-3 overall and 7-3 in the conference.
“We played well, hit the ball well,” Thomas Macera, Head Coach, said. “Anytime you can sweep West Florida it’s a good day because it’s not something that is easily done, and it’s not something Valdosta State has traditionally done.”
Leading the Blazers to victory against the Argonauts in both games and against Albany State on March 24, was Marti Littlefield, sophomore, who hammered four home runs on the week.
“I loved it,” Littlefield said. “Coach (Macera) said we’ve never scored as many runs as we did last weekend. I think everyone was just up and fired up for the game. It was just a great feeling to beat them.”
Littlefield hit one over the fence in the first game against Albany State and three homers in the teams’ double header against UWF. She also finished with eight RBIs, scored six runs, and ended five for seven at the plate against the Argonauts.
“It has a lot to do with hard work out here on the field,” Littlefield said. “There are always ways to get better and you can always fix things. Just hard work and dedication, and I just have to stay within myself in the box.”
After earning All-American honors for the 2009 season, Littlefield found herself in a slump recently, but admits she is getting her rhythm back.
“I just kind of relaxed and didn’t think as much,” Littlefield said. “I was a little tense at the beginning of the season, now I’m not playing careless, but I’m not thinking as much and I’m relaxed out there.”
Even in her second season with the Lady Blazers, Littlefield considers one of her greatest attributes to the team her ability to rally behind her teammates when they need her most on and off the field.
“My biggest strength is staying behind my teammates, and working hard for them and playing for them,” Littlefield said.
Known for her hitting abilities, Littlefield admits that she has not only worked on her hitting this season, but also her defense.
“I’m definitely pleased with my defense,” she said. “This time last year I probably had about 15 errors, and I think right now I have a little over five.”
The team faces North Alabama on Friday, April 2 and West Alabama on Saturday.