Hokie ClubCHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Behind Emma Mazzarone’s career-high 14 strikeouts, No. 13/16 Virginia Tech (45-9, 18-6 ACC) took down Virginia (38-13, 13-10 ACC), 3-1, in the ACC Quarterfinals.
Mazzarone was lights out for the Hokies from start to finish as she allowed just one run off four hits with 14 strikeouts in her complete-game victory to propel the Hokies to the ACC Semifinals.
How It Happened
The Hokies were on fire defensively in the opening innings. Through two innings of work, Emma Mazzarone recorded three strikeouts – including her 150th of the season – to hold the Cavaliers scoreless.
Virginia threatened with a runner on first in the top of the second, but Michelle Chatfield made an incredible catch on a bunt attempt and threw to first to secure the inning-ending double play.
The Hokies struck first in the bottom of the third. Addison Foster tripled down the right field line and then scored on a Cavalier throwing error for the Little League home run and a 1-0 lead.
Mazzarone continued to deal as she had seven strikeouts through the first four innings.
Tech jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. After Rachel Castine drew a walk, Zoe Yaeger ripped an RBI double to make it 2-0. Annika Rohs flipped spots with Yaeger with an RBI double of her own to make it a 3-0 game.
In the top of the sixth, Mazzarone continued her dominance as she tallied her career-high 11th strikeout on the day, setting a new career high.
Despite Virginia having the bases loaded with one out, the Cavaliers only scored one run in the top of the seventh as the Hokies secured the 3-1 victory.
Game Notes
• Tech improves to 23-19 in the ACC Tournament and 59-26 in all-time matchups against Virginia
• Tech advances to the ACC Semifinals for the fifth time under head coach Pete D'Amour
• Emma Mazzarone threw a career-high 14 strikeouts
• It marks the most strikeouts in an ACC Tournament game for Virginia Tech since Angela Tincher (May 11, 2008)
• Addison Foster led all the Hokies with two hits as she went 2-for-3
• This is just the sixth time all season Tech has not outhit its opponent
• Annika Rohs and Zoe Yaeger each recorded an RBI double
Up Next
No. 13/16 Virginia Tech (45-9, 18-6 ACC) faces No. 12/12 Duke (39-13, 20-4) in the ACC Semifinals on Friday, May 8 at 3:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ACC Network.