BLACKSBURG – For the first time this season, the [RV] Virginia Tech softball team will be playing at the friendly confines of Tech Softball Park this weekend, taking on Georgia Tech in both teams' first ACC contests of the year.
The Hokies (16-3) own a 15-8 overall record in home openers, including an even 7-7 in ACC openers. The Yellow Jackets (14-8) are coming off two midweek losses at home to Jacksonville State (10-5) and No. 8 Georgia (19-2).
The weekend series, which has moved its original times due to weather, will take place on Saturday at noon ET and on Sunday in a doubleheader starting at noon. Sunday's two games will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Sat. | Noon ET vs. Georgia Tech | Stats
Sun. | (DH) Noon vs. Georgia Tech | Stats | Stream
The last time out, the Hokies turned in a 4-1 victory over UAB at the Bulldog Classic on Sunday. Third baseman Kelsey Bennett was the lone Hokie to have a multi-hit game, hitting a home run and a single.
Outfielder Emma Strouth also went deep, posting her third home run of the season. Pitcher Keely Rochard pitched a complete-game three-hitter, while fanning two batters and only giving up one earned run.
The Hokies have shown discipline at the plate, only striking out 50 times to lead the ACC in fewest strikeouts. Nationally, they are No. 3 in the country in batting average with a .365 clip.
FAN INFO
Virginia Tech Athletics is implementing a clear-bag policy at all of its games this academic year. The policy will allow for a better and quicker experience at gates and is also a public safety measure that is being successfully implemented at other large venues including fellow ACC venues. For more info, click here.
SCOUTING GEORGIA TECH
Record: 14-8 (0-0 ACC)
Head coach: Aileen Morales (42-34, 2ndseason)
All-time series: Yellow Jackets lead 25-23
The Yellow Jackets boast the third-most win in the ACC, trailing Florida State (23-1) and the Hokies.
