BLACKSBURG, Va. – The No. 2/3 Virginia Tech softball team is back in action this week, hosting in-state rival Virginia in a three-game series with Commonwealth Clash points on the line, sponsored by Smithfield. First pitch on Thursday and Friday is set for 6 p.m., followed by a 2 p.m. start on Saturday.
LAST TIME OUT
The Hokies took down Liberty 8-1 Tuesday afternoon, improving to 30-5 on the year. Emma Lemley (12-3) got the start and the win for the Hokies tossing five innings, giving up one run on two hits and walking three for Virginia Tech. Rochard pitched the final two innings, receiving the save and striking out three. Sophomore Cameron Fagan led the way offensively for the Hokies, going 4-for-4 in the ballgame with a home run and an RBI. Junior Kelsey Bennett put together a solid day at the plate as well, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. Senior Mackenzie Lawter also contributed, going 1-for-2 for Virginia Tech with a home run, a walk and an RBI.
1KEELY
Senior Keely Rochard recorded her 1,000th career strikeout on Tuesday in the No. 2/3 Hokies 8-1 win over Liberty. She becomes the second player in school history to achieve the milestone. Rochard came on in the sixth to relieve starter Emma Lemley. She struck out three, allowing one hit in her 2.0 innings pitched. She also received her fourth save of the season.
PLEDGE PER K
The Hokie Club and the softball program are challenging Hokie Nation to make a pledge per K (strikeout) during the 2022 season. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for fans to engage with the success of the softball program throughout each contest, all the while providing the resources for our student-athletes to succeed on and off the field. The Virginia Tech pitching staff is already up to 385 strikeouts this season. For more information, click here.
4-FOR-FAGAN
Cameron Fagan went 4-for-4 on Tuesday at Liberty, including a home run, her third of the season. She finished her day with an RBI and scored two runs to help lead the Hokies to the 8-1 win. This is Fagan's second game going 4-for-4 this season, with the first being Michigan State on Feb. 12.
COMMONWEALTH CLASH
Following a halt during the 2019-20 academic year due to COVID-19 implications, the Commonwealth Clash has been renewed and has a new presenting sponsor in Smithfield. The Commonwealth Clash is a friendly, statewide rivalry between Virginia Tech and Virginia and their school-sponsored sports, with 22 individual event points on the line. The school that accumulates 11.5 points or more has been annually crowned the winner and takes home the Commonwealth Clash trophy, presented by Smithfield. For more information, visit hokiesports.com/clash.
UP NEXT
Following the Hokies series with Virginia, Tech will head to Knoxville on April 20 to take on No. 15/14 Tennessee in nonconference action. First pitch will be at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.
