BLACKSBURG, Va. – For the first time in program history, Virginia Tech softball will host an NCAA Softball Regional as the No. 3 national seed. The Hokies are set to take on Saint Francis at 2 p.m. on Friday, with live coverage on the ACC Network.
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LAST TIME OUT
The Hokies went 1-1 at the ACC Championship last weekend, defeating Syracuse 2-1 but falling to No. 15 Clemson 4-1 in the semifinal round. Keely Rochard struck out 10 hitters and received the win against the Orange. Freshman Bre Peck led the way offensively for the Hokies, going 1-for-3 in the ballgame with a home run and an RBI. Emma Lemley took the loss in the circle against the Tigers, giving up four runs on five hits, allowing two walks and striking out six. Sophomore Cameron Fagan led the way offensively for the Hokies, going 1-for-3
FIRST TIME HOSTS
Blacksburg is one of four new host sites in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. The Hokies are hosting for the first time in school history, as well as Clemson, Duke and UCF. The Hokies were a 16 national seed in 2007 but unable to host a Regional that season. Along with Saint Francis, Kentucky and Miami (OH) are the two other teams that make up the Blacksburg Regional.
FAMILIAR FOES
The Hokies faced both Kentucky and Miami (OH) in the regular season this year, both in February. Tech defeated Kentucky 6-1 opening weekend to wrap up a 5-0 start to the season. Rochard struck out eight Wildcats and Meredith Slaw hit a pinch-hit grand slam to seal the victory. Against Miami (OH), the Hokies scored eight runs, ending the game in run-rule fashion. Lemley received the shutout win, striking out six and allowing just four hits. Morgan Overaitis went 3-for-3 with a double, triple and two RBIs.
POSTSEASON HOKIES
The Hokies finished the 2021 season at the LA Super Regional, their best finish to a season in recent memory. Tech advanced to the Super Regional round for the second time in program history, first since 2008, and did so in head coach Pete D'Amour's second full season at the helm in Blacksburg. Under D'Amour, Tech reached the NCAA Regionals in 2019 before the pandemic canceled the second half of the 2020 season when the Hokies sported a 21-4 record.
