AUSTIN, Texas -- The No. 10/12 Virginia Tech softball team opened Saturday with a shutout, defeating Texas Southern 8-0 in five innings. Sophomore Molly Jacobson threw a three-hit shutout to lead the Hokies over the Texas Southern Tigers.
Jacobson (1-1) went the distance for Virginia Tech (10-3), giving up three hits, walking none and striking out one. This was also Jacobson's first career start.
The Hokies offense continued to capitalize on the long ball, hitting three more to bring the season total to 25, which is tied for the lead in NCAA Divison I. Junior Emma Ritter led the way offensively for the Hokies, going 2-for-3 with a triple, a home run and two RBI. Freshman Emma Jackson continued to provide power, going 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI. Freshman Teagan Thrunk went 2-for-2 for Virginia Tech with a home run, her second of the weekend, and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies took the lead for good in the third, scoring for the first time in the inning. Virginia Tech hit two home runs in the inning on the way to scoring six runs, with Ritter and Jackson hitting the first two home runs of the game. Jayme Bailey also added an RBI
The Hokies also added runs in the fourth inning when they scored two times, highlighted by a home run from Thrunk and an RBI from Cameron Fagan.
GAME NOTES
» Jacobson tossed a three-hit shutout for the Hokies.
» The Hokies power output was led by Ritter, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Virginia Tech hitters hit three home runs in the ballgame.
» The Hokies out-hit the Lady Tigers at a 9-3 clip.
» Virginia Tech went 4-for-7 (.571) with runners in scoring position.
» Ritter led the Hokies at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a triple, a home run and two RBI.
Up next for the Hokies is a rematch with No. 9/13 Texas at 5 p.m. ET.
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