Hokie ClubLEESBURG, Fla. -- Freshman Emma Lemley was mowing people down on Friday, punching out 16 Wisconsin batters in her collegiate debut to propel No. 13 Virginia Tech past the Badgers 5-4.
In addition to her 16 strikeouts, Lemley tossed 6.2 innings, giving up four runs, one earned, on one hit and walking eight for the Hokies (1-0).
Senior Mackenzie Lawter led the way offensively for the Hokies, going 1-for-1 in the ballgame with a home run, a walk and two RBIs. Junior Alexa Milius furnished a standout performance at the dish as well, going 1-for-1 with a triple and two RBIs. Junior Kelsey Bennett also contributed, going 2-for-2 for Virginia Tech with a double and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies were trailing 1-0 in the sixth inning when they first put runs on the board. Virginia Tech's offense started clicking and put up five runs, including a two-run home run off the bat of Lawter and a two-run triple from Milius. Wisconsin put three runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but the Hokies still held on for the 5-4 win.
GAME NOTES
» Lemley struck out 16 Badgers hitters in her collegiate debut.
» Virginia Tech's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed five runs across.
» The Hokies out-hit the Badgers at a 7-1 clip.
» Junior Kelsey Brown stole two bases in Friday's game.
» Virginia Tech pitchers limited Wisconsin to just 1-for-8 (.125) with runners in scoring position.
» Virginia Tech pitchers faced 34 Wisconsin hitters in the game, allowing two ground balls and three fly balls while striking out 16.
» Lawter led the Hokies at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a home run and two RBIs.
» Wisconsin was led offensively by senior Jollie Fish, who went 1-for-1 with an RBI.
» Junior Tessa Magnanimo led the Badgers pitching staff, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings.