GREENSBORO, N.C. – Coming out of the gates with their A-game opening weekend, Virginia Tech's Caitlyn Nolan and Keely Rochard were named ACC Player and Co-Pitcher of the Week, as announced by the league office on Tuesday.
The pair mark the first time the Hokies have swept the conference weekly awards since April, 17, 2018, when Carrie Eberle earned ACC Player and Co-Pitcher of the week.
Nolan was a key reason in the Hokies' 5-0 start to the season at the Cougar Classic, marking only the fourth time in school history. Nolan slashed a .714 batting average, nine RBIs, two home runs, three doubles and three walks back in her home state. She also was named Louisville Slugger/NFCA DI National Player of the Week earlier on Tuesday.
It all started in her first at-bat of the season against then-receiving votes Wichita State, hitting a homer to center field to set the tone for the weekend. The shortstop would follow suit with hitting an extra base-hit in every game. Her batting average is the best in the ACC and her two home runs are tied for first in the league.
Rochard pitched in 19.0 innings and threw three shutouts, including a one-hitter against host College of Charleston. The sophomore only allowed six hits and three walks, while striking out an impressive 30 batters and not allowing an extra-base hit over the weekend. Her 30 Ks is the best in the ACC and by a wide margin (15). She is the only player in the ACC to not give up a run (minimum 4.0 innings) and is one of only five players in the league to boast a 0.00 ERA.
In the first week of USA Softball's Top 25, the Hokies found themselves receiving votes in the rankings. Tech did not receive any in the preseason.
The Hokies will head back to the Palmetto State once again this upcoming weekend, playing in the Upstate Classic in Spartanburg, South Carolina, as USC Upstate plays host.