BLACKSBURG, Va. – 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.
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.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 1-0, the Hokies first put runs on the board in the fourth inning. Virginia Tech plated a run on a based-loaded walk by senior Ally Repko.
The game remained tied until the very next inning, when the Hokies got going again on offense. Virginia Tech pushed across a run on Overaitis' one-out RBI double, which brought the score to 2-1 in favor of the Hokies. The Hokies were unable to hold the lead, as Florida scored six times over the remaining two innings to grab the 7-2 win.
GAME NOTES
» Virginia Tech's power output was led by Bailey, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Virginia Tech's highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed one run across.
» Virginia Tech left 10 runners stranded on base in the loss.
» Virginia Tech pitchers faced 33 Florida hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out five.
» The Hokies drew seven walks from Florida pitching.
» Bailey led the Hokies at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two doubles.
» Florida was led offensively by junior Skylar Wallace, who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI.
» Senior Natalie Lugo led the Gators pitching staff, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings.
UP NEXT
The deciding contest of the Blacksburg Super Regional will take place tomorrow, May 28, at Tech Softball Park. Game time will be announced later, with the winner progressing to Oklahoma City for the Women's College World Series.
Gallery: (5-28-2022) SB: NCAA Blacksburg Super Regional Game 2 vs. Florida