Hokie ClubKNOXVILLE, TN -- The No. 3 Virginia Tech Hokies took a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never surrendered the advantage on the way to a 5-2 victory against the No. 15/14 Tennessee Lady Volunteers on Wednesday.
Freshman Emma Lemley (13-4) started in the circle and picked up the win for Virginia Tech (33-6). The right-hander went four innings, giving up two runs, one earned, on six hits, allowing one walk and striking out four. Senior Keely Rochard also made an impact in the circle for the Hokies, coming on in relief in the fifth to thow three scoreless innings while allowing one hit, with three walks and five strikeouts. She earns her fifth save of the season.
Junior 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 Junior 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.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the top of the first inning. Virginia Tech scored three runs in the frame, highlighted by a two-run homer from Peck.
The Lady Volunteers then gained ground, narrowing the lead to 3-2 until the Hokies expanded their advantage in the sixth. Virginia Tech scored twice on Bailey's two-run homer, which brought the Hokies lead to 5-2. The score remained 5-2 for the rest of the game, as Virginia Tech held on for the win.
GAME NOTES
» Rochard struck out five Lady Volunteers hitters.
» Virginia Tech took a 3-0 lead in the top half of the first and didn't surrender that lead for the remainder of the game.
» Virginia Tech pitchers limited Tennessee to just 2-for-11 (.182) with runners in scoring position.
» The Hokies drew seven walks from Tennessee pitching.
» Peck and Bailey led the Hokies at the plate, each adding a two-run home run