No. 12 Virginia Tech loses in Rematch with No. 13 Texas

The No. 12 Virginia Tech Hokies split their games Saturday, with an 8-0 shutout against Texas Southern followed by a 2-8 loss to Texas.

The Hokies continued their success in the first game of the day, taking down the Tigers in five innings. This was Tech’s second shutout of the Lone Star State Invitational, with the first coming against Abilene Christian on Friday.

Emma Ritter had a great game at the plate with a two run homer and a triple. Freshmen Emma Jackson and Teagan Thrunk also had home runs, marking their second in their collegiate careers respectively.

Molly Jacobson pitched for Tech, giving up just three hits. The redshirt sophomore finished the game and got the win, her first of the season.

Virginia Tech had won it’s game on Friday against Texas in extra innings, however, they couldn’t squeak out the win Saturday.

Texas took an early lead in the game, scoring twice to make it a 0-2 ballgame. They then backed it up with another two in the third. The Hokies knocked in their first run courtesy of Morgan Overaitis later in the game to bring it to 1-4.

The Hokies really started to struggle in the sixth inning, giving up four runs to Texas. Texas laid down a few great bunts and a couple of hits to take the game out of reach for the Hokies before the final inning.

Kelsey Bennett sparked off the seventh with a solo shot over the wall, providing some much needed momentum for the Hokies. It wouldn’t be enough, however, as the Hokies failed to convert after that, ultimately losing the game 2-8.

Texas Southern drops to 1-7 on the season, itst lone win coming earlier Friday against Abilene Christian. Virginia Tech is now 10-4 following both games Saturday, while Texas ends the day at 9-2-1. Virginia Tech will play its last game of the tournament, a rematch against Abilene Christian, on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.