Hokie ClubSUNDAY, MAY 29 -- 5:30 P.M. ET
Virginia Tech Softball head coach Pete D'Amour and select student-athletes met with the media Sunday afternoon following Game 3 of the NCAA Blacksburg Super Regional series against Florida. Read some of what they had to say below:
Head Coach Pete D'Amour
(Opening statement) "Congrats to Florida. We knew coming in they were formidable and they ended up being that way. I went into this weekend thinking that if somebody beat Keely and Emma, tip your cap. They deserve it, they did that. Today was a tough one. I thought our kids were ready. They were loose. We had a good practice and BP. Then the first play of the game I think the wind came out of our sails and we never just never recovered. This graduating class that we're losing is arguably the most successful in Virginia Tech softball history. You make two supers and a regional in three years. There's nothing to be ashamed of. We were one game away from the World Series in the last two years. The thing with softball is one team is happy at the end. It's just the way it goes. We just happened to not be as happy a week for the World Series. This team is the closest I've ever had as far as chemistry. There'll be friends forever. Probably the most talented team I've ever had too. The thing with Virginia Tech is it's sustainable. We could be back here next year. These two who are graduating are going to be hard to replace, but this is not the end of the road for us. I had more notes about what happened to our team this year but I'll just leave it at that."
(On building off this year) "Nothing's really changed with me. I came here to win and been fortunate that Mike is really busting it on the recruiting trail. I'm not going to say the freshmen coming in are better than the kids we have. That's not the case. They're going to be good but if we don't make regionals next year, I'm gonna eat my hat. Tabasco sauce or not. When you have a good year or you have three good years like we've had, you really have to hit the recruiting trail hard. That's what we've done and I'll tell you that transfers are beating our door down. The kids that we have currently are going to be better next year. We should be alright next year."
Pitcher Keely Rochard
(On looking back at Virginia Tech career) "Like [Mackenzie Lawter] said, I'll never be able to put into words what it's meant to wear Virginia Tech across my chest. I'll never be able to repay the coaches for any of the memories that I've made here. It's been the biggest honor, and I thank everyone for putting trust in me. Yeah, I don't want to take this jersey off, I know that. But again, I'll never be able to repay Virginia Tech, or anyone that's given me this opportunity."
Catcher Mackenzie Lawter
(On looking back at Virginia Tech career) "I owe Virginia Tech everything. It's given me the best experiences, the best people and, you know, the end comes eventually for everyone. It can be hard to find a positive at a time like this, but thanks to Virginia Tech, it's given me people that I'll have for the rest of my life. And it's given me so much more than softball, so I'll never be able to repay Virginia Tech for everything it's given me."
SUNDAY, MAY 29 -- 4 P.M. ET
Freshman Lexie Delbrey and senior Natalie Lugo combined to throw a shutout on Sunday as No. 14-seed Florida defeated the third-seeded Virginia Tech softball team 12-0 in five innings.
Senior Keely Rochard (26-4) got the ball to start for Virginia Tech (46-10) and took the loss.
In the batter's box, the Hokies were led by junior Morgan Overaitis, who went 2-for-2 on the day.
SUNDAY, MAY 29 -- 9:00 A.M. ET
The final game in the Blacksburg Super Regionals begins at 2 p.m. ET Sunday on ESPN between No. 3 Virginia Tech softball and No. 14 Florida.
TV: ESPN
Game 3 of the three-game series will have Eric Frede (play-by-play) and Madison Shipman (analyst) on the call.
Streaming: ESPN+
The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and through the ESPN mobile app.
Live Stats: HokieSports.com
Fans can monitor today's games through live stats provided by HokieSports, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.
Social Media: @HokiesSoftball
Fans can follow Virginia Tech on Twitter for live updates throughout the day.
SATURDAY, MAY 28 -- 5:05 P.M. ET
The first pitch of Game 3 of the NCAA Blacksburg Super Regional between Virginia Tech and Florida on Sunday, May 29, is set for 2 p.m. ET. The contest will be televised on ESPN.
SATURDAY, MAY 28 -- 4:15 P.M. ET
Virginia Tech Softball head coach Pete D'Amour and sophomore outfielder Emma Ritter met with the media Saturday afternoon following Games 1 and 2 of the NCAA Blacksburg Super Regional series against Florida. Read some of what they had to say below:
Head Coach Pete D'Amour
(Opening statement) "We won one and lost one, super regionals aren't easy. The season isn't over so we just have to regroup and do what we did in game one."
(On not using Keely Rochard as much as last postseason) "Yeah, it's a big deal. I told the players after the game that we got a fresh Keely tomorrow, so here we go. I have a lot of confidence in Keely Rochard. She's won me a lot of big games and she gets the ball tomorrow."
Outfielder Emma Ritter
(On mindset going into Game 3) "I don't think the mindset changes, you know, we still go out there and play our game. Do what we do best. I think we've shown these past few weeks that we're a fighting team, we can go out there and compete with anybody so I think it's just going out there and playing hard keeping the same mindset."
(On gaining confidence from last week's elimination scenario) "Yeah, I mean, I think competitors go out and when they're in a close game where it's, you know, win or lose situation, the drive turns on for most athletes and most competitors. So tomorrow is going to be a good game. No matter what it's just about fighting out to the end."
SATURDAY, MAY 28 -- 3 P.M. ET
The No. 3 seed Virginia Tech softball team fell to 14-seeded Florida 7-2 in Game 2 of the NCAA Blacksburg Super Regional on Saturday afternoon, forcing a winner-takes-all Game 3 tomorrow, May 29.
Sunday's game time will be announced later. Text "VTSB" to 83200 to receive a text alert when the first pitch time is finalized.
Freshman Emma Lemley (16-6) started and took the loss in the circle for Virginia Tech (46-9). Senior Keely Rochard was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going one shutout inning without allowing a hit.
Junior Jayme Bailey's two extra base hits were the highlight of a 2-for-4 day, and included two doubles. Junior Morgan Overaitis put together a noteworthy day at the plate as well, going 1-for-1 with a double and an RBI. Senior Darby Trull also helped out for the Hokies, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding two walks.
SATURDAY, MAY 28 -- 11 A.M. ET
A pair of solo home runs by Emma Ritter, a three-run home run from Cameron Fagan and a complete game shutout by Keely Rochard propelled the Virginia Tech softball team to a 6-0 win over Florida in Game 1 of the Blacksburg Super Regional.
The game, which originally began at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, May 27, was suspended due to weather at the end of the fourth inning. The contest's final three innings were played Saturday morning.
Rochard (26-3) went the distance for Virginia Tech (46-8), giving up four hits, walking none and striking out five.
Ritter led the way offensively for the Hokies, going 3-for-3 in the ballgame with two home runs, a walk and two RBI. Fagan provided a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. Junior Kelsey Bennett also chipped in, going 2-for-2 for Virginia Tech with a double, a walk and an RBI.
Gallery: (5-28-2022) SB: NCAA Blacksburg Super Regional Game 1 vs. Florida
SATURDAY, MAY 28 -- 6:15 A.M. ET
The Blacksburg Super Regional between Virginia Tech and Florida resumes this morning with the conclusion of Game 1 at 10 a.m. ET followed by Game 2 at noon. Yesterday's game entered a weather delay heading into the top of the fifth inning with the Hokies ahead of the Gators, 6-0.
TV: 10 a.m. ET on ESPNU & noon on ESPN
The remainder of Game 1 will air on ESPNU while Game 2 will be televised on ESPN.
Streaming: ESPN+
Both games will be streamed on ESPN+ and through the ESPN mobile app.
Live Stats: HokieSports.com
Fans can monitor today's games through live stats provided by HokieSports, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.
Social Media: @HokiesSoftball
Fans can follow Virginia Tech on Twitter for live updates throughout the day.
FRIDAY, MAY 27 -- 7:15 P.M. ET
Game 1 of the Blacksburg Super Regional between Virginia Tech and Florida will resume play at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday morning, May 28. The game entered a weather delay heading into the top of the fifth inning with the Hokies on top of the Gators, 6-0.
For fans with tickets to Game 1, Tech Softball Park gates will open at 8:30 a.m. ET. The venue will be cleared following the conclusion of that contest, and Game 2 ticket holders may enter the facility at that time.
The ending of Game 1 will air on ESPNU followed by Game 2 at noon ET on ESPN.
FRIDAY, MAY 27 -- 3:40 P.M. ET
Due to weather in the area, Friday's game has been paused after four innings as Virginia Tech owns a 6-0 advantage over Florida.
Text "VTSB" to 83200 to receive an update when play is set to resume.
FRIDAY, MAY 27 -- 9 A.M. ET
The Blacksburg Super Regional gets underway this afternoon as third-seed Virginia Tech takes on No. 14 seed Florida. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. ET.
TV: ESPN2
Today's contest will be televised on ESPN2.
Streaming: ESPN+
The game will be streamed on ESPN+, both online and through the ESPN mobile app.
Live Stats: HokieSports.com
Fans can monitor the game through live stats provided by HokieSports. Play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics can be found.
Social Media: @HokiesSoftball
Fans can follow Virginia Tech on Twitter for live play-by-play updates during the game.
THURSDAY, MAY 26 -- 8 P.M. ET
Virginia Tech Softball head coach Pete D'Amour and select student-athletes met with the media Thursday ahead of the Hokies' NCAA Super Regional series against Florida this weekend at Tech Softball Park. Read some of what they had to say below:
Head Coach Pete D'Amour
(On confidence level after being battle-tested in regionals) "[We're] swinging the bats better than we did when I was asked this question two weeks ago. [Our] pitching has always been good, so I'm not any less confident based on what another team did. We're just worried about our team, so we're fine."
(On the challenges that Florida pose) "Obviously, their team speed. One-hundred and thirty stolen bases or something like that. They don't swing at a lot of balls, so you've got to throw them strikes. They've always been perennially one of the better defensive teams in the country. They've got more than a couple of hitters in their lineup that can scare you. They're coached well. They're not going to come in here intimidated by our crowd, so they'll be ready to play. Those are the biggest things – their team speed and defense are as good as anybody's."
Pitcher Keely Rochard
(On making adjustments as postseason progresses) "It's always important to make in-game adjustments. I think that speaks to anybody; hitters make in-game adjustments. The game is really hard, so it's really hard to get through a full seven innings just sticking to one plan and one plan only. It helps a lot just being able to make the game adjustments."
Pitcher Emma Lemley
(On confidence boost following last weekend's performance) "I think our team all together showed that we had a lot of fight in us. And I think that we've kind of found a new spirit in us and hopefully that fight will, you know, carry over to these games. But, you know, I pitched a little bit more last weekend than I had other weekends in the regular season. So, you know, I think that kind of just, you know, prepared me to keep that fight within myself too. But, you know, overall, we're just, you know, trying to take it one pitch at a time like we did [last weekend]."
Catcher Mackenzie Lawter
(On how the team feels about how it's swinging the bat) "I think we've known that we've had the capabilities all year. We just had to be confident in our approach just going up there and we know good things are going to happen. So, I think that same thing stays true this weekend."
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 -- 4 P.M. ET
Get up to speed with five things to know ahead of this weekend's Blacksburg Super Regional:
1. All tickets will be delivered digitally. Tech Softball Park will be a mobile-only venue as both all-session and single-session tickets will be delivered digitally. Ticket purchasers can access their tickets via the HokieSports mobile app or at HokieSports.com/MyAccount.
Fans with questions regarding their mobile tickets should visit Mobile Ticketing Central in advance or stop by the ticket office lobby at Lane Stadium on game day.
2. Beamer Way will be closed to through traffic. Beamer Way will be closed from the middle of Lane Stadium to the intersection at the entrance to Lots 2 and 4, beginning three (3) hours prior to the first game of the day until after the conclusion of the game.
Food trucks will be set up on Beamer Way, offering additional options for fans looking for concessions.
3. Fans are encouraged to park in Lots 1, 2 or 5. Free parking for fans will be available in Lots 2 (Lane Stadium South Endzone) and 5 (Chicken Hill). Fans are encouraged to enter campus via Southgate Drive.
Additional parking will also be available in Lot 1 (Cassell Coliseum). Fans using Lot 1 should keep in mind that Beamer Way will be closed three hours before first pitch and will need to enter from Washington Street.
4. Text alerts for weather impacts are available. Should any of this weekend's games be impacted by weather, fans can sign up to receive a text alert and get notified when play is set to resume. Text VTSB to 83200 to opt in.
5. All concession stands will be cashless. In an effort to reduce touch-points and increase the speed of service, all concession stands in Tech Softball Park will only accept credit or debit cards for payment. Tech Softball Park is a cashless facility and does not have ATM machines.
MONDAY, MAY 23 -- 2:30 P.M. ET
Both all-session and single-session tickets for games in the Blacksburg Super Regional have sold out.
𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗢𝘂𝘁!
— Virginia Tech Softball (@HokiesSoftball) May 23, 2022
The Blacksburg Super Regional has officially sold out. Let's get loud this weekend 😎 pic.twitter.com/XWyVPWsTrD
SUNDAY, MAY 22 -- 7 P.M. ET
The No. 3 seed Virginia Tech softball team will host the program's first-ever NCAA Super Regional next weekend, welcoming 14th-seeded Florida to Tech Softball Park for a best-of-three series from Friday-Sunday, May 27-29.
Friday's first pitch is set for 2 p.m. ET while Saturday's game will get underway at noon ET.
The Hokies claimed the Blacksburg Regional title in dramatic fashion this weekend, defeating Kentucky twice on Sunday, May 22, to reach the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons.
Tickets for the Blacksburg Super Regional will go on sale Monday, May 23. Fans can purchase either an all-session pass that includes every game or secure seats on a single-game basis, while supplies last. Both reserved and general admission seating will be offered, with reserved seats limited to all-session passes. Reserved all-session tickets are $40 while general admission all-session tickets are $20. General admission tickets for single sessions are $10.
The on-sale timeline for NCAA super regional tickets is as follows, with quantities limited to four (4) tickets per account:
- 10 a.m. ET - Current Hokie Ambassador, Hokie Scholar and Hokie Stone donors
- Noon ET - Remaining current Hokie Scholarship Fund donors
- 2 p.m. ET - General public
Sign up to get notified when tickets become available for the general public should any all-session or single-session passes remain following the presale for current Hokie Scholarship Fund donors.
Fans can also support Tech Softball by making a donation directly to the program. Standard gifts are appreciated, as well as any stat-based gift amounts as suggested below:
- $3 per strikeout
- $5 per run scored
- $50 per home run
- $250 per Tech win
- $500 per no-hitter
Game dates, times and TV network information for the series between Tech and Florida will be released once finalized.