BLACKSBURG – The No. 3 Virginia Tech softball team hosts Louisville in its final home ACC series this weekend. First pitch on Friday is set for 6 p.m., followed by a 2 p.m. start on Saturday, with both games streamed on ACC Network Extra. Sunday's game will begin at Noon on ACC Network, with the 2022 Senior Day ceremony following the game.
LAST TIME OUT
The Hokies took a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never surrendered the advantage on the way to a 5-2 victory against No. 15/14 Tennessee on Wednesday. Emma Lemley and Keely Rochard combined for the win, as Lemley earned her 13th win on the year and Rochard racked up her fifth save. Jayme Bailey came up clutch for the Hokies, hitting a two-run home run in the top of the sixth to push the Hokie lead to 5-2. Meredith Slaw also contributed, going 2-for-3 for Virginia Tech with the first RBI in the game. Freshman Bre Peck also added a two-run home run in the first.
SENIOR DAY SUNDAY
Following Sunday's game against Louisville, the Virginia Tech softball team will recognize its six graduating student-athletes. Keely Rochard, Mackenzie Lawter, Darby Trull, Kayleigh Addington, Alexa Milius and Ally Repko will be celebrated for their accomplishments on and off the field. Fans are encouraged to stick around after the game on Sunday for the ceremony.
TOP 25 FINALIST
Keely Rochard has been named a top 25 finalist for 2022 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, released Wednesday afternoon. Considered the most distinguished individual honor in Division I college softball, the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award recognizes outstanding athletic achievement by Division I female collegiate softball players from across the country. This is the second straight season Rochard has earned a spot in the top 25. The eventual USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year will come from the Top 25 Finalists. The Top 10 Finalists will be revealed May 4 with the Top 3 being released May 18. The 2022 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year will be announced prior to the NCAA Women's College World Series.
STANDOUT FRESHMEN
Emma Lemley and Bre Peck both had an impact in the Hokies 5-2 win at Tennessee on Wednesday. Lemley made the start in the circle, picking up the win after throwing four innings and giving up just one earned run. She struck out four Lady Vols. Peck knocked a two-run home run in the top of the first that ended up being the difference maker in Tech's 33rd win of the season.
UP NEXT
The Hokies will play their final ACC series of the season next weekend, making the trip to Boston College to take on the Eagles in a three-game series from April 29 – May 1.
