May 10, 2007

Box Score

#15 Virginia Tech 4, Virginia 1

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Just hours after second-seeded NC State was shocked by seventh-seeded Boston College, it appeared the feat was going to be topped as the eighth-seeded Virginia Cavaliers had the top-seeded Virginia Tech softball team on the ropes at the ACC Softball Tournament. But a four-run sixth inning propelled the Hokies to a 4-1 win and kept them in the winner's bracket.

The Hokies struggled through the first three innings, picking up just one hit while giving up a run and committing two errors.

In the top of the third, the Cavaliers struck for the game's first run. After a throwing error by Stephanie Savre allowed a runner to third, Kelly Haller singled to left field to drive in Megan O'Leary for an unearned run. On the play, Caroline Stolle threw out pinch runner Casey Steffan at the plate to keep it 1-0.

History was made in the fifth inning as Angela Tincher picked up her seventh strikeout of the game to give her 1,399 for her career. Her strikeout of Abby Snyder broke the ACC's career strikeout mark of 1,398, previously held by Georgia Tech's Jessica Sallinger. She is now just one of six players in NCAA history to record 1,400 strikeouts or more for a career, picking up 1,403 Ks in her illustrious career.

Down 1-0 and on the ropes, the Hokies came through in the sixth inning. Callie Rhodes led off with an infield single before UVa coach Karen Johns pulled starter Whitney Holstun out of the game despite giving up no runs and just three hits. The move to put Coty Tolar in backfired in a big way as Erin Ota drew a four-pitch walk and Caroline Stolle was hit by the first pitch she saw to load the bases.

Johns quickly re-inserted Holstun, who nearly shut the door. After Rhodes was thrown out at home on a force play, Kelsey Hoffman popped up to shortstop for the second out. Then, on the first pitch she saw, Jessica Everhart singled up the middle to drive in Ota and tie it up. Charisse Mariconda then stepped up big with a two-RBI single through the left side to give Tech a 3-1 lead. Everhart eventually scored when Kelsy Rokey reached on an error to make it 4-1.

At the plate, the Hokies struggled, picking up just five hits - one apiece from Stolle, Rokey, Rhodes, Everhart and Mariconda - but got the big hits when they needed it.

Tincher (W, 34-5) struggled early, but settled down late to keep Tech in the game. The ACC's Pitcher of the Year gave up one unearned run and four hits while striking out 11.

Tech (45-14) will now face the winner of the No. 4 Florida State/No. 5 North Carolina game on Friday at 3 p.m. If they win, the Hokies will advance to Saturday's action while if they lose, they'll have to play again at 8 p.m. later Friday.