Hokies return to play at NC State

RALEIGH, N.C. – Virginia Tech softball returns to the field for a four-game series against ACC opponent NC State starting Friday night after a brief pause in team activities.
 
The No. 16/15 Hokies (7-2, 4-2 ACC) will face the Wolfpack (11-3, 7-3 ACC) who received votes in this week's ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll. The Hokies are 18-21-3 against the Wolfpack all time.
 
Three of the four games will be broadcast on the ACC Network, while the second half of Saturday's doubleheader can be streamed on ACC Network Extra.
 
SCHEDULE
Fri. | 5 p.m. ET at NC State | Watch | Stats
Sat. | 12 p.m. ET at NC State | Watch | Stats
Sat. | 2 p.m. ET at NC State | Watch | Stats
Sun. | 2 p.m. ET at NC State | Watch | Stats
 
Before the pause, junior pitcher Keely Rochard (5-1) had just won the Wilson NFCA Pitcher of the Week award after beating then-No. 13/14 Florida State twice including a one-hit shutout in the series finale. The Hokies' pitching staff in currently leading the ACC in both ERA at 1.09 and opposing batting average at .154.
 
Sophomore designated player Grace Chavez was on a tear in the Clemson and Florida State series, hitting a home run in each of her last four games played, including every game of the series vs. Florida State. Freshman shortstop Cameron Fagan has registered a hit in eight of the nine games played and leads the team with 12 hits.
 
SCOUTING NC STATE
Record: 11-3, 7-3 ACC
Head Coach: Jennifer Patrick-Swift (61-36, 3rd season at NC State | 380-253-1, 14th career season)
All-time Series: 21-18-3 NCST
 
The Wolfpack are coming off a 3-1 series win over Georgia Tech last weekend, after which junior outfielder Sam Russ was named ACC Player of the Week. NC State is currently fifth in the ACC standings after being picked to finish eighth by the ACC Preseason Coaches Poll.