LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After beating then-No. 13 Florida State twice over the weekend, Virginia Tech softball's Keely Rochard has been named the Wilson/NFCA Pitcher of the Week, the association announced Tuesday.
Rochard (5-1) went 3-1 last week, throwing three complete games, including a shutout in the series finale win over the Seminoles. In the two games against Florida State, Rochard allowed one run on four hits in 12.0 innings pitched and allowed Clemson one run on three hits in the series-deciding win over the Tigers. The Williamsburg, Virginia native capped off the series win over ACC foe FSU with a one-hit shutout, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning.
This is the first time this season that Rochard has been honored nationally and the fourth time in her career. The junior earned the award once last season and twice during the 2019 season. Rochard was also named D1Softball Pitcher of the Week Tuesday.
The preseason all-American currently leads the country with five wins, is second with three shutouts and has struck out 42 batters, good enough for fifth in the NCAA. She currently leads the ACC in each of the categories along with innings pitched (37.0) and complete games (5).
Rochard as an ACC-best 0.57 earned runs average this season, allowing just three earned runs all year in six starts while allowing opposing hitters to a mere .142 batting average. As a team, the Hokies lead the conference in both statistics.
Opening the ACC season with two series wins, the Hokies (7-2, 4-2 ACC) moved up one spot in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll to No. 14 in the country, and held on to their No. 14 ranking in the USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll. Tech's highest ever ranking is No. 13, achieved in 2007.
Rochard and the Hokies have their home opener Saturday, hosting Army for a doubleheader starting at noon. Both games can be streamed on ACC Network Extra.
