NCAA Tournament Central

SUNDAY, MAY 21 @ 2:45 P.M.

Following its loss in the regional final to Georgia, Virginia Tech met with the media for a press conference.

For highlights of what was said, view below.

Head coach Pete D'Amour 

Opening Statement:
"Good on Georgia, I wish them luck next week. Good job on the run of the tournament, well run. Yeah, not the way we wanted to end, but these seniors have been with me for five years. They're a special group. I think we got 10 plus leaving so. Just didn't really put all the phases together this year at one time, so that's what happens. 39 wins, a down year, but the program is still in good hands I think." 
  
On what makes keeping Georgia hitters contained so difficult:
"They can hit. They're good hitters. They're patient. They put good swings on balls. They've been able to hit for 15 years, so it's just hard. The first inning I thought, a couple plays here and there where we couldn't limit the damage, and you just can't give good teams like that opportunities." 
 
First baseman Jayme Bailey 

On what she will remember from her successful career at Virginia Tech:
"We had a lot of success on the field, but I think looking back I'm going to remember everything off of the field more than I'm going to remember everything on the field. We've had a good group of girls all five years. We played our hearts out, and we had fun doing it." 
 
Pitcher Lyndsey Grein 

On her struggles against the Georgia hitters:
"I think just like Coach Pete said, Georgia can hit, and I have a lot more room to grow. I think everything was moving, and I'm going to stick to that statement. Georgia can hit the ball pretty dang well."
 
SUNDAY, MAY 21 @ 2:15 P.M.

The Hokies' season came to a close on Sunday in Athens, Georgia, falling to No. 14 overall Georgia 12-3 in six innings at Jack Turner Stadium.

For the complete recap.
 
SUNDAY, MAY 21 @ 8 A.M.

The Hokies will play in the Athens Regional final against No. 14 overall Georgia at Noon ET on SEC Network.

TV: The contest will be made available on SEC Network.

Streaming: Fans can tune in to the ESPN app.

Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.

Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesSoftball), Instagram (@HokiesSoftball) and Facebook (@HokiesSoftball).
 
SATURDAY, MAY 20 @ 10:25 P.M.

Following their win over Boston University, select Hokies met with the media for a press conference.

For highlights of what was said, view below.

Head Coach Pete D'Amour

On the rematch against Georgia:
"Keep them in the yard, keep them from hitting home runs, make better pitches, and keep having good at bats. It's kind of the name of what we try to do all year. That's what I've said since the beginning, make good pitches, string together good at bats, play good defense, and we can play against anybody."  

Outfielder Emma Ritter

On playing in an elimination game:
"It's just another game. You can put pressure on it because the loser goes home. If you do that, I think you tend to play tighter. It's good to just go and play loose, like Coach Pete said before the game, 'go out and play loose.' We've been playing softball for a long time, so the game doesn't change just because it's one more game and you're done." 

Pitcher Lyndsey Grein

On the team's strong defensive play:
"It's awesome. Every one of our girls, they're all outstanding at what they do. We just have each other's back, so that's awesome to know. The outfielders worked really hard today, and I just hope we can work hard from that for them tomorrow." 


 
SATURDAY, MAY 20 @ 9:45 P.M.

Tech punches its ticket to the Athens Regional final with a dominant 9-0 victory against Boston U.

For the complete recap.
 Gallery: (5-20-2023) SB: NCAA Regional Game 3 vs. Boston U.

 
SATURDAY, MAY 20 @ 6 P.M.

The Hokies and Terriers are set for a rematch at 6:20 p.m. ET on ACC Network. Winner advances to the regional final. 

TV: The contest will be made available on ACC Network.

Streaming: Fans can tune in to the ESPN app.

Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.

Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesSoftball), Instagram (@HokiesSoftball) and Facebook (@HokiesSoftball).
 
SATURDAY, MAY 20 @ 3:39 P.M.

Following their its setback to Georgia, select Tech coaches and players met with the media for a press conference.

For highlights of what was said, view below.

Head coach Pete D'Amour 

Opening statement:
"Georgia is as good as we thought they'd be. We hung with them through three innings. Then, just a tough fourth inning. We've got work to do, but we've been here before, so we'll take the winner of the next game and go game to game here." 
 
On Virginia Tech's offensive play and Madison Kerpic's performance:
"The pitching is good. When you get to regionals, it's not like you're planning on scoring six to 10 runs. You just try to hit balls hard, get in good counts, and see what happens." 
 
Pitcher Emma Lemley 

On differences between her starts today and yesterday:
"I think my rise was working. I threw a lot outside, and they did a good job of adjusting to it. I'm learning for next time because we'll play them again, twice." 


 
SATURDAY, MAY 20 @ 3:14 P.M.

In the 1-0 game, Virginia Tech fell to No. 14 overall Georgia 8-3 on its home turf at Jack Turner Stadium.

Emma Ritter hit a two-run home while Emma Lemley racked up four strikeouts.

The Hokies will play again today at approximately 6 p.m. ET on ACC Network against the winner of Boston U-North Carolina Central.

For the complete recap.
 
SATURDAY, MAY 20 @ 1:58 P.M.

Trailing 1-0 in the top of the fourth inning, Virginia Tech's Emma Ritter took a riseball deep to center field for a two-run home run, giving the Hokies a 2-1 lead.

Ritter knocked in fellow teammate Cam Fagan.

It marked the team's 98th home run this season, a school record.


 
SATURDAY, MAY 20 @ 8 A.M.

The 1-0 game of the Athens Regional will be between Virginia Tech and No. 14 overall Georgia at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

The two have faced each other previously in the all-time series, with Georgia lead ing 5-2, but the Hokies split the last time they were in Athens in 2019.

TV: The contest will be made available on ESPN2.

Streaming: Fans can tune in to the ESPN app.

Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.

Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesSoftball), Instagram (@HokiesSoftball) and Facebook (@HokiesSoftball).
 
FRIDAY, MAY 19 @ 4:55 P.M.

Following its win over Boston U, select Hokies met with the media for a press conference.

For highlights of what was said, view below.

Head coach Pete D'Amour

Opening statement:
"I thought a well-played game by us for six and a half innings. Boston University is as good as advertised, so it's a good win for us. Tomorrow, we will be ready for whoever comes our way. I don't remember ever losing a first game and winning a regional, so you have to win the first game."

Pitcher Emma Lemley

On her pitching performance:
"I think just being able to move it up and down and have a good amount of control today was working really well today. I've been prepared to start this game even if I wasn't starting this game. I prepared myself to be out there first inning since we finished up at ACC tournament. So, I think it was just having good practices last week and going into the first game to set the tone, get out a good win, and carry it to the next game."

Outfielder Emma Ritter

On the preparation for Boston U
"We prepare well for any team we play. Like I said before, in Regionals every team is scrappy, and any team can beat any team. So, you have to go out and playing hard in every game, so I think it was just to go out and play well and be in the moment."


 
FRIDAY, MAY 19 @ 4:10 P.M.

Starting its NCAA Tournament off strong, Tech defeated Boston U 6-1.

For the complete recap.
 Gallery: (5-19-2023) SB: NCAA Regional Game 1 vs. Boston U.

FRIDAY, MAY 19 @ 9:35 A.M.

Playing in the Athens Regional of the NCAA Tournament, Virginia Tech softball will face Boston University at Jack Turner Stadium at 2 p.m. ET on ACC Network.

TV: The contest will be made available on ACC Network.

Streaming: Fans can tune in to the ESPN app.

Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.

Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesSoftball), Instagram (@HokiesSoftball) and Facebook (@HokiesSoftball).
 
THURSDAY, MAY 18 @ 8 P.M.

Get hyped for the Athens Regional, where the Hokies seek to advance on to the next round to mark their third straight Super Regional.

THURSDAY, MAY 18 @ 6 P.M.

A day before its first game of the NCAA Tournament, Tech practiced on Georgia's campus.

With rain in the forecast, the Hokies practiced in UGA's indoor facility.
 Gallery: (5-18-2023) SB: NCAA Practice at UGA  

THURSDAY, MAY 18 @ 3:45 P.M.

The Hokies are set to open the 2023 Athens Regional on Friday at Jack Turner Stadium.

Tech will face Boston University, with the first pitch going out at 2 p.m. ET on ACC Network.

For the complete game preview.
 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 @ 6:30 P.M.

Tech makes a pit stop at Jefferson High School for an afternoon practice in Athens, Georgia.

 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 @ 6 P.M.

The Hokies complete their first practice in Athens!
 

Gallery: (5-17-2023) SB: NCAA Travel Day Practice

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 @ 5:30 P.M.

In the latest edition of Writing HERstory, in partnership with Truist, we look into Tech's mindset entering Athens, Georgia.

The Hokies are ready to start NCAA Tournament play on Friday against Boston University at 2:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network.

For the complete feature story.
 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 @ 9 A.M.

The Hokies took off for Athens!
 

Gallery: (5-17-2023) SB: NCAA Regional Departure

TUESDAY, MAY 16 @ 4 P.M.

Ahead of leaving for Athens, Georgia, Virginia Tech softball held an open practice to media in the afternoon, fine-tuning its preparation for the Athens Regional.
 

Gallery: (5-16-2023) SB: Pre-NCAA Regional Practice

MONDAY, MAY 15 @ 10 A.M.

In what should be a competitive regional, we break down what each team has to offer as potential opponents for the Hokies.

For a complete recap on No. 14 overall Georgia, three-seeded Boston University and four-seeded North Carolina Central.
 
SUNDAY, MAY 14 @ 8:30 P.M.

Following hearing its name called on ESPN2 during the 2023 NCAA Tournament Selection Show on Sunday, Virginia Tech softball held a media availability on the fifth floor of Lane Stadium with the local press.

For highlights of what was said, view below.

Head coach Pete D'Amour

On the team having NCAA Tournament experience and that paying dividends:
"I think it will be good. I think they're ready. Our seniors have played in four of these now. They know what to expect and they'll bring the young ones along."

First baseman Jayme Bailey

On if this year's team is good enough to beat quality teams in the NCAA Tournament:
"Yes. Virginia Tech, we're always good. No matter what our record says or what we've done in the past, we're a good team and have good coaching. We have the players and have good talent, and we have the team camaraderie. So, I think we're going to do well."

Outfielder Emma Ritter

On what it means to be back in the NCAA Tournament:
"Yeah, I've said it a lot of time, but I think the NCAA Tournament is one of the most fun times of the year. Teams are more competitive and it's do-or-die time. So, it's definitely a lot of fun to be out there."
 

Gallery: (5-15-2023) SB: 2023 NCAA Selection Show

SUNDAY, MAY 14 @ 7:35 P.M.

Earning a No. 2 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Virginia Tech softball will face Boston University on Friday in the Athens Regional in Athens, Georgia, where No. 14 overall Georgia will play host.

The other team in the regional is North Carolina Central.

For a complete recap on the regional.


 
SUNDAY, MAY 14 @ 7 A.M.

No. 23 Virginia Tech softball will find out its postseason destiny Sunday night during the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET.

The Hokies (37-18, 14-10 ACC), who made it to the semifinals of the ACC Tournament, are expected to be a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The selection show will break down which programs will host regional games among the 64 teams (32 automatic qualifiers, 32 at-large) that make the tournament.

Following the one-hour show, ACC Network will break down the bracket for ACC teams at 8 p.m., as well as offer predictions on which league squads have the best chance to make it to the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
 

NCAA TOURNAMENT SELECTION SHOW

TV: ESPN2

The show will have Beth Mowins, Michele Smith, Amanda Scarborough and Holly Rowe unveiling the field.

Online: ESPN.com

The show will be streamed on espn.com and on the ESPN app.

Follow on Social Media:

Another great way to keep up with selection show is following along on the team's social media accounts, as well as HokieSports' accounts, which you can find below.

Twitter: @HokiesSoftball | @HokieSports
Instagram: @HokiesSoftball | @HokieSports
Facebook: HokiesSoftball | HokieSports