BLACKSBURG – After playing seven games in a row at home, the No. 19/16 Virginia Tech softball team will hit the road to the Derby City this weekend, taking on Louisville in a four-game series at Ulmer Stadium with all games on ACC Network Extra.
Tech leads the all-time series over the Cardinals 8-7 and has two in a row. However, before those two wins in 2019, the Cards had a four-game win streak.
The Hokies are 1-2 in Louisville in the series and face UofL under coach Pete D'Amour for just the second time in a series and the first time meeting in Louisville.
D'Amour is 2-1 all-time against Holly Aprile. They never faced each other before 2019.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Game 1 – Friday at 7 p.m. ET | Watch | Stats
Game 2 – Saturday at 12 p.m. ET | Watch | Stats
Game 3 – Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET | Watch | Stats
Game 4 – Sunday at 1 p.m. ET | Watch | Stats
LAST TIME OUT
Taking on Virginia in a nonconference midweek game, the Hokies defended their turf with a 7-0 win this past Wednesday. Outhitting the Cavaliers 10-1 on the day, Tech started off slow (scoreless first two innings), then kicked it into gear by scoring in the next four frames. Two Hokies had multi-hit outings in Kelsey Brown (3 hits) and Emma Ritter (2), while pitcher Keely Rochard (12-1) threw a one-hitter.
WHO TO WATCH
Turning in her fourth straight one-hitter, Rochard shoved against in-state rival UVA. The junior tallied nine strikeouts in 7.0 innings of work, while surrendering just two walks.
Racking up a career-high three hits for the second time this season, Brown had three singles versus UVA. The sophomore had an RBI and made a terrific catch down the left-field line, too.
SCOUTING LOUISVILLE
Record: 9-11 (3-6 ACC)
Head coach: Holly Aprile (54-47, 3rd season)
All-time series: Tech leads 8-7
The Cardinals are coming off a series against No. 20/21 Clemson (20-2, 12-2) at home this past weekend, falling in all four games. One of the things the Cards do well are play fundamental defense, with being ranked first in the ACC for fielding percentage (.977), and then they are last in the league in stolen bases per game (0.6 a contest).
