Softball Report Week 9: Hokies Sweep Eagles, Climb ACC Standings

After taking two out of three games last week at NC State, the Hokies picked up four straight ACC victories this week in matchups against the Boston College Eagles (25-16) and the Virginia Cavaliers (28-14). The Hokies improve to 32-9-1 on the year, and 14-4 in ACC play. They also hold onto their undefeated home record that now sits at 12-0.

Hokies - 12
Eagles - 2

Player of the Game: Michelle Chatfield (2-4, 2 HR, 5 RBI)

To start off the three game home series, Virginia Tech got out to a slow start offensively, leading a mere 3-2 through the first four innings. A strong start from Boston College junior Abby Dunning kept the Eagles in this close game. Her strong start would burnout however, as the tight-knit game would untwine due to a takeover by the Hokie bats in the fifth and sixth innings, scoring 9 runs between the two. The spark in offense was thanks to freshman first baseman Michelle Chatfield who totaled 5 RBIs in those two innings with a 2-run homer in the fifth inning, and the cherry on top with the walk-off 3-run homer in the bottom of the sixth.

Hokies - 9
Eagles - 0

Player of the Game - Emma Mazerone (4.0IP, 1H, 0ER, 2BB, 5K)

After Emma Lemley’s outstanding 2-run outing in game one, freshman Emma Mazerone outshined that impressive performance with a one hit shutout victory herself, improving her record to 8-2 on the season. In her four innings pitched, the North Carolina natives only hit given up was on a double in the third at bat of the game by senior Nicole Giery. The 9 Hokie runs were scored in consistent fashion, with 3 runs in both the first and second inning, 2 runs in the third, and 1 in the fourth. Six different batters in maroon and orange contributed to the 8 hits in their mercy victory.

Hokies - 13
Eagles - 4

Player of the Game - Cori McMillan (1-3, HR, BB, 4 RBI)

Wrapping up the series, the game three storyline was similar to game one with yet another slow offensive start. After four innings played, the Eagles led rather comfortably, 4-1. Right fielder Jordan Stevens was the x-factor for the Eagles early offensive success, hammering two, 2-run home runs. The first one coming in the second inning, and the second one coming in the fourth. Despite the lead, Virginia Tech did what they do best and found their groove with a bat in their hands. A fifth inning hitting clinic would elevate the Hokies to win in via mercy rule after not one, not two, but twelve runs scored in the fifth inning alone. Player of the Game, Cori McMillan, capped off the magical run with a walkoff grand slam. Those 12 runs rewarded the Hokies for the most runs scored in a single inning all season.

Hokies - 6
Cavaliers - 0

Player of the Game - Emma Lemley (7.0IP, 2H, 0ER, 2BB, 8K)

On Tuesday night, Virginia Tech traveled up I-81 to Charlottesville, Virginia to take on their state rival, the Virginia Cavaliers. The week of the strong Emma pitching performances continued as junior Emma Lemley pitched a complete game shutout in the Hokies Commonwealth Clash victory. On top of the flawless outing from Lemley, consistent at bats from Addy Greene, Bre Peck, Cori McMillan and Kylie Aldridge provided all the scoring for the 6-0 Virginia Tech victory.

The game acted not just as a rivalry game between two in-state teams, but a evening of remembrance. Much like they did 17 years ago, Virginia athletics and their supporters showed reverence and community in honor of the victims and their loved ones of the the tragedy on April 16, 2007. 

The Hokies look to keep both their overall winning streak, as well as their perfect 12-0 home winning streak alive with five more home games coming up. The first three games are against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets who sit at 29-17 overall, and 11-7 in ACC play. Following the three game series is another one game stand against the Virginia Cavaliers who stand at 28-14 overall, and just like Georgia Tech, 11-7 in conference. To wrap up the home stretch, game five is an out of conference matchup between the Marshall Thundering Herd (20-21).

As we pass the midway point of ACC play, the Hokies are positioning themselves well in the ACC standings. A series win vs Georgia Tech would give the Hokies plenty of cushion between them and the middle of the pack.