Moments of Excellence: Softball hosts NCAA postseason for the first time in school historyMoments of Excellence: Softball hosts NCAA postseason for the first time in school history
Softball

Moments of Excellence: Softball hosts NCAA postseason for the first time in school history

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As the 2022 calendar year comes to a close, Virginia Tech Athletics will spend the month of December celebrating the Hokies' standout achievements from the past 12 months in a campaign called "Moments of Excellence."

The "Moments of Excellence" campaign will serve as a look back to the historic highlights and memorable accomplishments in Tech Athletics during 2022. Each varsity sport program will have an outstanding moment featured during December on the official Virginia Tech Athletics website and @HokieSports social media properties. Fans can visit the Hokies' social media directory to stay in contact with Tech Athletics and their favorite sports teams.

The softball program's Moment of Excellence this year was hosting the NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals for the first time in program history.
 


 
The Hokies earned the No. 3 national seed in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, hosting the Blacksburg Regional on May 20-22. Tech welcomed Kentucky, Saint Francis and Miami (Ohio) to campus.
 
After winning the first game of the regional but falling to Kentucky in game two of the regional, No. 3 Virginia Tech had to win three games in 24 hours to advance to super regionals, and the team with no quit accomplished the feat, getting its final victory over Kentucky Sunday evening by a score of 5-4 at Tech Softball Park.

Senior Keely Rochard (25-3) got the win out of the bullpen for Virginia Tech (45-8). The right-hander went 3.1 innings, giving up one run on two hits, allowing one walk and striking out three.
 


Junior Jayme Bailey led the way offensively for the Hokies, going 2-for-3 in the ballgame with a home run and two RBI. Senior Mackenzie Lawter put together a standout effort as well, going 1-for-2 with a go-ahead home run and three RBI go give the Hokies enought cushion for the win.


 


It marked the second season in a row the Hokies made it to Super Regionals, but the first time ever hosting one. Tech hosted No. 14 Florida the following weekend.
 

Gallery: (6-1-2022) SB: Moments of Excellence - NCAA Hosts