VALDOSTA— The Valdosta Varsity Wildcats faced a difficult test last week as they squared off in a three-game regional series against the Colquitt County Packers. Despite moments of promise, the Wildcats were ultimately swept, outscored 26-5 across the series as Colquitt’s aggressive offense and consistent pitching proved too much to overcome.

Game 1

Game one opened in Moultrie, with Colquitt gaining an early lead with three runs in the first inning. Valdosta struggled to find rhythm at the plate against Bowen DeRosso, who pitched 6.1 innings, allowing just three hits and striking out seven. 

Brooks Carter took the mound for Valdosta but gave up four runs in three innings, and while relievers Tanner Day, Josh Tanner, and Jack Steedley tried to hold the line, Colquitt continued to add runs steadily. Valdosta’s only score came in the seventh when Matt Bounds singled and later crossed home on a fielder’s choice. The Wildcats showed late signs of life with a few stolen bases and walks, but they could not rally, dropping the opener 8-1.

Game 2

Game two brought a more competitive outing from Valdosta on their home turf, with Turner Samples going the full seven innings on the mound. Samples allowed nine hits and five runs—four earned—while walking two and striking out two. Blake Bowman led the offense with a double and single, while M. Bounds also contributed with a double. 

The Wildcats tied the game in the third after a Bowman double and a ground ball double play allowed him to score. However, in the top of the fifth, the Packers took advantage of back-to-back walks and a two-run single by Adam Beverly to pull ahead. A sacrifice fly and another RBI single sealed Colquitt’s 5-1 win. 

Game 3

The series’ final game was the most explosive, with Colquitt putting up six runs in the first inning and eventually a 13-3 victory. 

Valdosta starter Kyler Davis faced early trouble, surrendering a walk, triple, and a string of hits that, combined with defensive errors, quickly put the Wildcats behind. The Wildcats used five pitchers—Davis, Carter, Day, Steedley, and Jace Smith—but could not contain the Packers’ offense, which tallied 13 hits and drew six walks. 

While Valdosta tried to fight back with a pair of RBI singles from Ricky Reynolds and another from Stephen Little, the gap was too wide. Noah Roberts went 2-for-3 at the plate and added a stolen base, but defensive miscues and a relentless Packer lineup pushed the score too far from the Wildcats’ reach.

The sweep eliminates Valdosta from postseason contention. The Wildcats will now play several non-regional games before their final regional matchup of the season against Lowndes High School on April 8.