Five Reasons to Attend: No. 15 Virginia Tech vs. No. 9 Florida StateFive Reasons to Attend: No. 15 Virginia Tech vs. No. 9 Florida State
Softball

Five Reasons to Attend: No. 15 Virginia Tech vs. No. 9 Florida State

Conference juggernauts to meet for three-game series this weekend

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BLACKSBURG – In what promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the season, No. 15 Virginia Tech Softball will play host to the No. 9 Florida State Seminoles for a three-game set starting this Friday.

The matchup, which marks the first time the two teams have clashed since 2023, serves as the season finale for a Hokies (39-8, 17-4 ACC) team that has continued to flourish this spring. With exciting promotions, free admission  and a host of senior recognitions, this weekend’s series is one fans won’t want to miss out on.

Here are five reasons to make your way to Tech Softball Park this weekend.

  1. History of Elite Competition – In the past 10 consecutive matchups, the Hokies and the Seminoles have entered the fray ranked in the top 25 of NCAA Division I softball. This weekend’s matchup is no different – Virginia Tech sits at No. 15 while Florida State enters at No. 9. It’ll be the fourth-consecutive series during which the two squads are ranked, only further promising that the series will be a showcase of collegiate softball at the highest level.

  2. Playoff Implications – This weekend’s three-game set against the Seminoles has major implications as the teams enter the postseason. As it stands, Florida State sits atop the ACC with a 16-2 conference record, while the Hokies follow closely in second place (17-4). In their last 10 matchups, Tech is 7-3 compared to Florida State’s 8-2. The winner of the ACC regular-season title will be decided this weekend in Blacksburg. Get to Tech Softball Park this weekend for a preview of conference postseason action!

  3. Night(s) at the Movies – Tech Softball Park won’t be buzzing just from the on-field action. “The Curtain Call at TSP” will take place at Tech Softball Park during the matchups, giving participating fans the opportunity to engage in a creative commemoration of the performing arts. “Defying Gravity Night” on Friday recognizes the lovable Elphaba and Glinda from the “Wicked” movie and production while Sunday’s “The Fourth and Final Act” focuses on all things Star Wars. Don’t miss the family-friendly fun at Tech Softball Park starting this Friday!

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  4. Senior Night – During the “intermission” of The Curtain Call at TSP, the Hokies will recognize graduating seniors during the evening’s Seniors Spotlight on Saturday. In celebration, fans can learn more about their favorite graduating Hokies throughout the game. Fans are also encouraged to stick around after the game as the program recognizes graduating Hokies Rachel Castine, Emma Lemley, Trinity Martin, Cori McMillan, and Bre Peck. Be sure to get to Tech Softball Park to celebrate the graduating Hokies on Saturday evening!

  5. Players to Watch – Key Virginia Tech softball athletes will be showcasing their talents over the weekend against Florida State. Cori McMillan, who just became the second Hokie to receive an AUSL Golden Ticket this past week, will look to bring her powerful bat and baserunning speed over three games. Her 25 home runs lead Division I softball alongside a conference-high 1.035 slugging percentage. The second of two Tech AUSL draftees, Emma Lemley will also bring her 2.45 ERA and 169 strikeouts to the series. Lemley has enjoyed an impressive 2024 campaign that has featured a 16-5 record in 30 appearances. Starting and playing in every game this season, fans should also keep their eyes peeled for first baseman Michelle Chatfield. Her .700 batting average, three home runs and eight RBIs in the team’s most recent series against California was enough to earn the sophomore ACC Player of the Week recognition for the second time this spring.