Valdosta, Ga. -- The Hawks got back on track Friday afternoon, topping No. 17 Valdosta State 6-4 on the road. The win also extends Shorter's win streak at Steele's Diamond to seven games dating back to last season's Gulf South Conference Championship.

Savannah Thomas put the Hawks (13-8, 8-5 GSC) on the board in the third inning with her first homer of the year to spark a five run inning for Shorter. After the homer, Ericka Bynum grounded out and Kendall Johnson was hit by a pitch. Niki Cook then delivered a single down the left field line, plating Johnson on a close play at the plate. Carson Carriker then popped out, and with two out the Hawks tacked on two runs. First as Tiffany Holland singled to center field, bring in in Cook. Then, Kameron Carter launched her fifth homer of the year to left field to give Shorter a 5-0 lead.

The Blazers (17-7-1, 7-6 GSC) scored twice in the bottom of the third to cut into to the lead, as Heather Robinson homered to right field with Taylor Hartenbach on base. And, added to it in the fifth to make it a 5-3 game when Hartenbach scored on a single from Hayley Cruthers. Brandy Morgan then made it a one run game, 5-4, with a solo homerun of her own in the sixth inning.

In the seventh, Ericka Bynum delivered her first homerun of the year to give the Hawks some insurance. And, the score stood despite Valdosta's threat in the bottom of the inning as two runners reached with no outs, but both were stranded as the final three batters were retired in order on fly-outs.

Payton Lippert earned the win for Shorter to move to 6-5 on the season. Through five innings of work she allowed four runs on eight hits with a walk and a strikeout. Kalei Kimbrell recorded her third save of the season, pitching the final two innings; allowing one hit with a strikeout.

Carter and Holland each posted two hits on the day for Shorter, with Carter also adding two RBI.

Shorter will look to keep the momentum going as they complete the series with the Blazers Saturday afternoon in a doubleheader beginning at 1:00pm.