CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The No. 11/13 Virginia Tech softball team notched its fourth conference win of the season, defeating North Carolina 4-1. The Hokies hit three homers to power the offense and outlast the Tar Heels.
Sophomore Emma Lemley got the win in the circle, fanning 10 North Carolina hitters over seven innings of work. In addition to her 10 strikeouts, Lemley (11-1) tossed seven innings, giving up one run on six hits and walking two for Virginia Tech (18-4, 4-0).
Junior Emma Ritter led the way offensively for the Hokies with a home run and two RBI. Sophomore Bre Peck went 1-for-2 with a home run, a walk and an RBI. Freshman Emma Jackson also helped out with a home run and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hokies put runs on the scoreboard first, starting the scoring in the fourth inning. Peck put Virginia Tech on the board with a one-out solo home run off junior Bailey McCachren.
After the Tar Heels rallied to tie the ballgame at one, the Hokies came back to retake the lead in the sixth inning. Virginia Tech picked up a run on Jackson's one-out solo home run off of McCachren, which brought the Hokies lead to 2-1.
Virginia Tech held North Carolina scoreless before building their lead to 4-1 the following inning. The Hokies added two to their tally on Ritter's two-run homer to left. The score remained 4-1 for the rest of the game, as Virginia Tech took the win.
GAME NOTES
» Lemley struck out 10 Tar Heels hitters.
» Virginia Tech hitters hit three home runs in the ballgame.
» The Hokies out-hit the Tar Heels at a 7-6 clip.
» Virginia Tech pitchers limited North Carolina to just 1-for-6 (.167) with runners in scoring position.
» The Hokies drew four walks from North Carolina pitching.
» Ritter led the Hokies at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
The Hokies will wrap up the series with the Tar Heels on Saturday, playing a doubleheader at 2:30 and 6PM.