Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech softball has utilized an elite combination of batting, pitching and fielding to achieve one of the best starts in program history. The Hokies, who currently own a 28-4 (4-2 ACC) record and are in the middle of a six-game winning streak, have continued to flex their muscles across a wide variety of competition as the season continues to progress. Whether it’s against conference or non-conference foes, one thing is for sure: Head Coach Pete D’Amour and the Virginia Tech Hokies are succeeding in a multitude of different ways.
Tech softball began their dominant 2026 season with a statement victory against then-No. 14 South Carolina, 8-4, on Feb. 5. A pair of wins against Binghamton and a 1-0 victory against Winthrop followed Tech’s season-opener win, which was then exemplified by yet another triumph over the Gamecocks on Feb. 7. The 5-0 start was the second in as many seasons for the Hokies and featured impressive performances from Kylie Aldrige (2-4, HR, 2 RBI against South Carolina on Feb. 5) and Nora Abromavage (2 HR, 6 RBI against Binghamton on Feb. 7).
After going undefeated at the Gamecock Invitational to open the year, the Hokies continued to catch fire. Dominance – to the tune of a 24-2 record before conference play began on March 13 – defined Tech’s style of play against non-ACC competition, oftentimes featuring unrelenting offensive pressure and commanding defensive presence.
Much of the success of the Hokies in 2026 can be contributed to the team’s approach at the plate. As a team, Tech softball currently holds a .369 batting average that sits at tenth nationally with seven players hitting above a .370, while also sitting third in at-bats (898) and runs (254). Similarly, D’Amour’s squad leads the ACC in hits (331) through 32 games, many of which come in the form of doubles (67) and home runs (55 – which is tied for tenth nationally).
Sophomore Jordan Lynch leads the charge in more ways than one for the Tech offense. Not only does Lynch retain a team-high and conference seventh-ranked .467 batting average through 32 starts, but the infielder also has a team-high 11 doubles and four triples on the season. Lynch has also demonstrated her quickness on the base path this spring, registering seven stolen bases over nine attempts. Alongside the infielder, juniors Addison Foster and Zoe Yaeger have located the ball well, as the former currently boasts a .410 average while the latter retains a .396. The pairing has combined for 77 hits and 62 RBIs over the 2026 campaign.
On the other side of the ball, the Hokies’ pitching strength has been illustrated through competition this year. Tech’s starting rotation – which has garnered a conference-leading 2.57 ERA in 2026 – has been nothing short of impressive as a mix of veteran athletes and Hokie newcomers make their mark amongst the team.
Statistically, the Hokies shine amongst their conference adversaries. Tech leads the ACC in fewest hits (149), runs (88), and earned runs (74) while additionally posting a leading 239 strikeouts over 32 games. The team’s K/7 rate – which sits at a staggering 8.30 - is seventh in the nation, proving that the Hokies send opposing batters back to their dugouts at an unparalleled level.
Emma Mazzarone and Bree Carrico – both of whom recently earned ACC weekly honors - lead the charge from the circle. Mazzarone, who has started a team-high 11 matchups this season, boasts an impressive 7-1 record alongside a 2.43 ERA in 63.1 IP. Further, her 89 strikeouts are atop the Hokies’ stat sheet, a total she’s added to by posting eight or more strikeouts in four of her last five appearances. Comparatively, Carrico has shown flashes of brilliance in her first season of action in southwest Virginia, as her perfect 8-0 record and a 1.42 ERA in 59.0 IP has defined the rookie's year thus far. Elite pitching over the past week of competition held opposing batters to a mere .029 batting average, earning her ACC Freshman of the Week and D1 Softball National Freshman of the Week honors.
Tech softball has also demonstrated its prowess on the defensive end, specifically in the team’s fielding efficiency. The team’s overall .974 fielding percentage ranks third in the conference, exemplified by just eight allowed stolen bases and 10 double plays on the year. The team’s ability to thwart oncoming attacks has allowed the Hokies to hold opponents scoreless five times this spring.
While the Hokies head to Massachusetts for a three-game series against Boston College this upcoming weekend, Tech softball will be back at home to start their series against Clemson on Thursday, April 2nd. Don’tmiss the chance to witness exciting action and experience delicious food at Tech Softball Park this spring!