WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Virginia Tech softball team is set to open the 2023 season, taking on East Carolina, Purdue Fort Wayne and UNC Wilmington from Feb. 9-11. All games can be followed on Live Stats.
The schedule has been updated due to heavy rain in the area. New schedule below.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Feb. 9
Virginia Tech vs. ECU | 5PM
Virginia Tech vs. UNCW | 7:30PM
Friday, Feb. 10
Virginia Tech vs. UNCW | 11:30AM
Virginia Tech vs. ECU | 4:30PM
Saturday, Feb. 11
Virginia Tech vs. Purdue Fort Wayne | 10AM
ROSTER RUNDOWN
The Hokies return eight starters, including All-American Emma Ritter, as well as ACC Freshman of the Year Emma Lemley. Other returners include utility Jayme Bailey, infielder Kelsey Bennett, designated player Meredith Slaw, outfielder Kelsey Brown, utility Bre Peck and infielder Cameron Fagan Tech lost three starters from 2022, including All-American pitcher Keely Rochard, catcher Mackenzie Lawter (who returns this year as a Student Assistant Coach) and outfielder Darby Trull. The Hokies welcome eight newcomers to the 2023 roster, with seven freshman and one transfer ready to make an impact
SERIES HISTORY
The Hokies open the season against ECU, holding a 10-6 advantage over the Pirates. The last meeting was a 4-2 Hokie win in Conway, S.C. Tech is 2-0 against host UNCW, last matching up against the Seahawks in 2011, taking the 6-5 win in Charlotte. This will be the first meeting between Virginia Tech and Purdue Fort Wayne
PRESEASON ALL-ACC
Cameron Fagan, Emma Lemley, Emma Ritter and Meredith Slaw all land a spot on the All-ACC Preseason team in their respective positions. The Hokies were also ranked second in the ACC Preseason Coaches Poll, behind only Florida State. Clemson, Notre Dame and Duke round out the top five. This is Fagan's second straight Preseason ACC honor. This is the first preseason honor for Lemley, Ritter and Slaw.
USA SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR WATCHLIST
Emma Lemley and Emma Ritter earned a spot on the USA Softball Top 50 Watch List for Player of the Year for the first time in their respective careers. The Top 50 Watch List highlights athletes from 26 universities and nine athletic conferences from across the country. The ACC is represented with six athletes. The Top 25 finalists for Player of the Year will be announced on May 3, followed by the Top 10 on May 3 and Top 3 on May 17. The Player of the Year will be announced prior to the NCAA Women's College World Series.
UP NEXT
Tech continues its road stretch, traveling to Clearwater, Fla. to compete in the Clearwater Invitational from Feb. 17-19. All five games will be against 2022 NCAA Tournament
Teams, including Oklahoma State, UCLA and Arizona, who were World Series teams a season ago.
