PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The No. 5 Virginia Tech softball team continues its time on the road this weekend, traveling to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers in a three-game series. Due to weather, Friday will be a doubleheader at 2 and 4:30 p.m., followed by a single game on Saturday at 1 p.m.
All three games will be streamed live on ACC Network Extra.
LAST TIME OUT
The Hokies swept Longwood in a midweek doubleheader in Farmville on Tuesday, defeating the Lancers 5-0 in game one and 13-0 (5 inn.) in game two. Emma Lemley and Ivy Rosenberry threw back-to-back no-hitters in the sweep, striking out 17 batters between the two games. The Virginia Tech offense was also strong against the Lancers, scoring 18 runs between the two games on 22 hits, including two home runs, two triples and six doubles. Freshman Rachel Castine hit her first career home run in game two, coming in to play shortstop in the fourth inning.
HISTORIC NO-NOs
The back-to-back no-hitters were the first ever time the Hokies' no-hit both games of a doubleheader since the program's inception in 1995. Tech pitchers had not tossed no-hitters in consecutive games in over 20 years, dating all the way back to May 7 and May 11, 2000 in shutouts vs. St. Bonaventure and Dayton. Rosenberry and Lemley now join a group of 11 other pitchers in Hokies history that have thrown no-hitters, including teammate Keely Rochard.
HOT BATS
Over the last five games, the Hokies have been hitting .393 as a team, compared to .105 from opponents. During the 5-0 stretch, Tech has six home runs, three triples and 10 doubles, posting 41 RBI. Emma Ritter and Cameron Fagan have been solid at the plate, both hitting .500 over the North Carolina and Longwood series. Ritter put up five RBI in 15 at bats, hitting three doubles. Fagan posted a home run, triple and two doubles over 12 at bats, chipping in four RBI.
ACC PLAY
The Hokies look to continue their hot start to ACC play this weekend against the Panthers as they are the only undefeated team left in conference play at 9-0. Pitt is currently 1-5 in the ACC, coming off a series against Notre Dame where the Irish swept the Panthers. Pitt's win in conference play came against then-No. 3 Florida State in game three of the series, with the Panthers taking the 7-5 win.
UP NEXT
Tech continues its road trip the following weekend, making the trip to Orlando to take on UCF in a three-game series beginning on Sunday, April 3. The Hokies continue conference play the following weekend at No. 2/3 Florida State in Tallahassee.
