Softball Report Week 10: Hokies Finish Off Sweep Against Yellow Jackets on Senior Day

The Hokies win streak extends to 11 in a row after sweeping Georgia Tech (29-20) in a three game series at home, followed up by their second Commonwealth Clash win of the year against Virginia (30-16), and a win on Wednesday against Marshall (21-24). Speaking of winning streaks, another winning streak for the maroon and orange got extended this week as well. Their home record remains perfect, now sitting at 17-0.

Hokies - 8

Yellow Jackets - 4

Player of the Game - Emma Ritter (2-4, 2 RBI)

Kicking off the three-game series against ACC rival Georgia Tech, the Hokies got right to the punch, taking a 6-0 lead after the first inning. A two-run smash from senior Addy Greene sparked the run, shortly followed up by two, 2 RBI doubles between Cameron Fagan and Emma Ritter to round out the scoring. Turning to the bump, Lyndsey Grein pitched a strong first three innings, before getting interrupted by a Hunter Reese three-run home run in the fourth. Despite the bumpy inning, the sophomore finished with a line of 5.0IP, 6H, 4ER, 3BB, 3K, earning her tenth win of the season, improving her season record to 10-3.

Hokies - 10

Yellow Jackets - 4

Player of the Game - Addy Greene (1-2, HR, 2 BB, 2 RBI)

So nice, she did it twice. To start the bottom of the first, Addy Greene mirrored her first at bat in game one, and scored Emma Ritter via a two-run home run. The early scoring train continued as the Hokies powered through the Yellow Jackets yet again. Seven different players in maroon and orange notched a “1” in the hit column in their 10-4 victory. 

Hokies - 11

Yellow Jackets - 2

Player of the Game - Kylie Aldridge (1-3, BB, 3 RBI)

To close the series, Virginia Tech came out victorious on their senior day. With tons of friends and family of the seniors in attendance, the Hokies did not disappoint, scoring the most runs (11), as well as giving up the least amount of runs (2) in the series. On top of the strong performances at the plate and on the mound, the gloves were also perfect all game long, committing zero errors.

Hokies - 6

Cavaliers - 1

Player of the Game - Emma Lemley (7.0IP, 4H, 1ER, 1BB, 8K)

Another day, another dominating performance from Emma Lemley. In their last matchup against Virginia, Lemley pitched a complete game shutout. Her performance in this game was nearly identical, with her only run given up being off a Bella Cabral solo home run to center field. The junior picked up her eleventh win of the season with a final line of 7.0IP, 2H, 0ER, 2BB, 8K.

Hokies - 9

Thundering Herd - 7

Player of the Game - Cori McMillan (4-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI)

After comfortable wins throughout the week, getting off to multiple strong starts, the Marshall Thundering Herd gave the Hokies a scare at the start. Despite a 4-0 Virginia Tech lead after the first inning, the Thundering Herd stormed right back, scoring five runs in the top of the second. Two, 2 RBI singles from Destiny Washington and Bub Feringa, as well as a bases loaded hit by pitch with Bella Gerlach at the plate contributed to the five-run inning. Player of the game, Cori McMillan, would shortly take that lead right back with a two-run home run to left field in the bottom of the same inning. The Hokies would hold onto the lead from that point on, and escape a near upset, coming off victorious with a final score of 9-7.

Improving their record to 37-9-1, Virginia Tech has a four game road trip ahead, starting off with a three game series against the Syracuse Orange (23-20). The Orange have struggled all season long in conference play, sitting at a 5-13 record in the ACC. To finish off the road trip, the Hokies travel back to their home state for a one game stand with the Liberty Eagles (29-18).

With the end of the season nearing, a sweep against the Orange would give the Hokies a very good chance to sit atop the ACC.