Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Coming off of three games played in the Florida sun in Tallahassee, Virginia Tech returns to Blacksburg this weekend for a three-game series with Pitt starting with a 4 p.m. doubleheader on Friday, March 23.
Friday's doubleheader will be streamed on ACC Network EXTRA via the WatchESPN platform with Evan Hughes on the call. Live stats for all games can be found on HokieSports.com.
Despite some strong pitching performances and a quality weekend at the plate from senior Caroline Schoenewald, the Hokies (11-15, 1-5 ACC) couldn't get a win at No. 15 Florida State. Schoenewald went 5 for 9 in the series with two multi-hit games while Eberle tossed a gem in the circle on March 16 where she allowed no earned runs and three hits in a complete game effort.
Virginia Tech leads the all-time series with Pitt, 17-7, but the Panthers have won three of the last five meetings. The Hokies are 9-0 all-time at Tech Softball Park against the Panthers dating back to the first contest between the two in Blacksburg on April 22, 2001.
FRESHMEN PLAYING BIG ROLES EARLY
- Virginia Tech entered this season with 11 newcomers, tied for the most in the ACC. The freshmen in that group have already seen significant playing time through the first half of the season.
- Seven freshmen – Sammi Miller, Darby Trull, Casey Barrett, Cana Davis, Mackenzie Lawter, Jordan Dail and Keely Rochard – have all played in 10 or more games this season.
- Miller leads the way with 22 starts while Dail has started seven games in the circle and has made 14 overall appearances.
- The Hokies have averaged just over three freshmen in the starting lineup per game this season.
SCHO ON PACE FOR BREAKOUT SEASON
- Senior Caroline Schoenewald looks to have saved her best season for last as she enters the Pitt series this weekend with a .289 batting average with two home runs, six RBI and five doubles.
- Her five doubles is a new career high and she is five hits away from matching her best career total in hits with 22.
- Against No. 15 Florida State, Schoenewald had a 5 for 9 showing at the plate over three games with two multi-hit games, including a two-double performance in the second contest in the series.
- She has started in all 26 games this season in center field.
THOMAS APPROACHES 800 WINS
- In his 23rd season, head coach Scot Thomas sits at 782 career wins and is inching towards 800 victories.
- Thomas would be the 54th active head coach and the 92nd all-time to reach the 800 wins plateau.
- Thomas has been responsible for building the program from the ground up, starting with the Hokies' inaugural season in 1996.
- Thomas has led the Hokies to eight NCAA regionals, two ACC championships and the 2008 Women's College World Series.