BLACKSBURG – Heading into its first ACC road trip of the season, No. 25 Virginia Tech's softball team will go to NC State for a three-game series this weekend at Dail Softball Stadium.
The Hokies (18-4, 2-1 ACC) will be the Wolfpack's (16-8) first league opponent this year. The two squads haven't faced off in some time, playing each other in 2015 with the Pack winning all three games.
The weekend series, which has moved its original Friday time due to weather, will take place on Friday at noon ET, Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at noon. All three games will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra. There is a charge for admission, which can be viewed here for purchasing tickets.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Fri. | Noon ET at NC State | Stats | Watch
Sat. | 2 p.m. at NC State | Stats | Watch
Sun. | Noon at NC State | Stats | Watch
The last time out, the Hokies won their ACC opening series over Georgia Tech (16-10, 1-2) 2-1, taking the rubber match Sunday afternoon at Tech Softball Park.
Pitcher Carrie Eberle earned two wins in the circle, racking up 14 strikeouts in 16 innings of work. First baseman Jayme Bailey went yard twice, hitting the first home run of her career and following it up with another, with both homers going to center field.
Outfielder Al Velazquez extended her hitting streak to nine games, just one short of tying her career high.
Tech owns the fifth-best batting average in the nation with a .353 clip, thanks to three starters batting over .400, including outfielder Darby Trull (.475), outfielder Emma Strouth (.408) and third baseman Kelsey Bennett (.407).
With the 25 ranking next to their name, the Hokies were tabbed No. 25 in the land on Tuesday in the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll, marking their first ranking in the poll since March 24, 2015.
SCOUTING NC STATE
Record: 16-8 (0-0 ACC)
Head coach: Jennifer Patrick-Swift (16-8, 1st season)
All-time series: Wolfpack lead 20-15
The Pack are coming off a midweek win at Charleston Southern, downing the Buccaneers 8-2 in extra innings (8). Tech played the Bucs as well earlier this season, winning both games.
