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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. The Virginia softball team (19-8, 2-3 ACC) split with Virginia Tech (11-17, 2-3 ACC) in a doubleheader Saturday at The Park. The Cavaliers took the first game, 5-2, thanks to a three-run homer by Abby Snyder in the sixth inning. The Hokies rebounded and won the second game, 10-2. Snyder finished the day with all six of Virginia’s RBI.
Senior Karla Wilburn pitched a complete game in the first contest, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out three. Virginia Tech outhit Virginia 6-5 but the Cavaliers had a two-run first and a three-run sixth to pull out a win.
Freshman Giannina Cipolloni singled to center with one out in the first. After a Carly Winger walk, Cipolloni stole third and both runners would advance a base after an illegal pitch. After Sarah Tacke walked, Winger moved over to third on a wild pitch and Tacke later stole second. Clara Kendall would reach on a fielder’s choice that cut Winger down at the plate. Snyder came through with a RBI single to left to score Tacke as the Cavaliers took a 2-0 lead.
Virginia Tech picked up a run in the top of the third after three singles and two walks in the inning, including Charisse Mariconda’s bases loaded walk that scored Amber Walker. The Hokies added a second run in the fifth that tied the game at two. Erin Ota singled through the right side to bring home teammate Kristen Froehlich, who singled to start the inning.
Snyder was clutch in the sixth. With one out, Tacke singled through the right side and Megan Wind came on to pinch run. After a Kendall single, Snyder crushed the ball to deep center for a three-run shot and a 5-2 Virginia lead.
VT’s Abbie Rexrode threw 5 1/3 innings in the first game, taking the loss for the Hokies. She allowed all five runs on five hits with five walks and a strikeout.
Wilburn’s day was not yet complete, as the fifth-year senior from Del Mar, Calif., also got the start in game two. Virginia Tech, however, came out swinging and compiled a three-run first inning.
Virginia fought back and scored twice in the first to cut the lead to one, 3-2. Cipolloni walked and Winger reached on a fielder’s choice as the speedy Cipolloni slid safely into second. After a Tacke groundout moved both runners over, Kendall walked to load the bases. Synder singled to center to bring home both Cipolloni and Winger.
The two runs in the first would proved to be it for Virginia in game two. Virginia Tech added four more in the third, thanks to a Beth Walker grand slam to center, and three more in the top of the fifth. The Cavaliers were unable to answer as the game ended in a run rule.
Wilburn took the loss in the second game, pitching 2 1/3 innings. Nicole Koren came on in relief to toss the final 2 2/3 innings. She finished with two strikeouts.
Kenzie Roark improved to 7-10 on the year with a win in the circle. She threw all five innings allowing two runs, both earned, on just four Cavalier hits.
Virginia and Virginia Tech will conclude the series at 1 p.m. Sunday. Prior to the game, the recent renovation to The Park will be commemorated and Virginia Athletics Director Craig Littlepage will throw out the first pitch.
A free tailgate beginning at noon is also scheduled and the Cavalier Band will be on hand to perform.