ORLANDO, Fla. -- Eleven innings was not enough to decide the outcome of game three between the No. 5 Hokies and No. 22/20 UCF. The Knights ultimately took the victory in the bottom of the 11th with an RBI single.
Freshman Emma Lemley pitched well in relief on Monday, punching out 10 UCF hitters over 6.1 innings of work.
In addition to her 10 strikeouts, Lemley (11-2) went 6.1 innings, giving up two runs on six hits and walking none for Virginia Tech (27-4). Senior Keely Rochard also made an impact in the circle for the Hokies, starting the ballgame and throwing four innings, giving up three runs, with no walks and four strikeouts.
In the batter's box, the Hokies were paced by freshman Bre Peck, who went 4-for-6 on the day with a home run and an RBI. Junior Jayme Bailey continued her her hitting streak at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. Junior Kelsey Bennett also contributed for Virginia Tech, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding a double and a walk.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the top of the first inning. Virginia Tech scored twice in the inning, including one on a solo shot from Peck.
The Knights then rallied to score three runs and take a 3-2 lead before the Hokies got back on the board in the sixth. Virginia Tech plated two runs off of UCF pitching, punctuated by a run-scoring double off the bat of Bailey, which brought the score to 4-3 in favor of the Hokies. The Hokies were unable to hold the lead, as UCF scored two times over the remaining five innings to grab the 5-4 win.
GAME NOTES
» Peck compiled a four-hit day for the Hokies.
» Lemley fanned 10 Knights hitters.
» Hokies pitchers combined to strike out 14 UCF hitters.
» Virginia Tech left 10 runners stranded on base in the loss.
» The Hokies out-hit the Knights at a 12-9 clip.
» Peck led the Hokies at the plate, going 4-for-6 with a home run and an RBI.
» UCF was led offensively by freshman A. Griffin, who went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and three RBIs.
» Senior K. Woodall led the Knights pitching staff, throwing six shutout innings.