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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. The Virginia softball team (19-9, 2-4 ACC) was defeated by Virginia Tech (12-17, 3-3 ACC) 5-2 to conclude the series Sunday at The Park. The Hokies took the series after the two teams split a doubleheader on Saturday.
Virginia Tech finished with five runs on nine hits and no errors in the contest, while Virginia had two runs on eight hits and one error.
Senior pitcher Karla Wilburn took the loss, falling to 14-4 this season. She threw all seven innings and allowed three earned runs while striking out two batters.
Kenzie Roark (8-10) earned the win, throwing the last six innings after Kristin Graham started for Tech. Roark allowed one run on seven hits with four strikeouts.
Alison Pittman, Sarah Tacke and Carly Winger each had two hits for the Orange and Blue while Giannina Cipolloni, who was celebrating her birthday, and Lauren McCaskey each contributed singles.
Virginia Tech compiled two runs in the top of the first, thanks to a two-run home run to center from Charisse Mariconda. The Hokies took a 3-0 lead in the second after an RBI double from Amber Walker.
The Cavaliers battled back and notched a run in the second. With two outs and runners at the corners, a wild pitch brought in Clara Kendall, who walked to start the inning.
Virginia would add another run in the fourth to cut the lead to one, 3-2. Nicole Koren was hit by a pitch to start the inning and McCaskey bunted her over to second. With one out, Cynthia Javaras grounded out but Koren advanced to third on the play. Pittman’s slow roller to second was beaten out and Koren came in to score.
The Hokies piled on two more runs in the sixth to take a 5-2 lead as Virginia failed to score in its final at-bat.
Prior to the game, Virginia softball alumnae were welcomed back to The Park in a rededication ceremony, commemorating the field’s recent renovations. Virginia Athletics Director Craig Littlepage was on hand to throw out the first pitch.
The Cavaliers are back in action Tuesday at George Mason, a rescheduled doubleheader from a rainout on March 3. The two teams will play at 3 p.m.