Cavaliers Conclude Non-Conference Play Wednesday

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia softball team (27-18, 9-5 ACC) concludes non-conference play with a doubleheader Wednesday against Radford. The Cavaliers play host to the Highlanders at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at The Park; live stats will be linked on VirginiaSports.com.

The Cavaliers, who sit in second place in the conference standings, are coming off a big series win over the weekend at home against NC State, taking two-of-three games. Melanie Mitchell was named the ACC pitcher of the week after picking up three wins last week, including two over the Wolfpack. Virginia also posts a 13-3 mark at home this season.

Sarah Tacke’s .377 batting average currently paces the UVa offense. The senior right fielder also has a team-best 10 doubles and 34 RBI in addition to six home runs on the year. Nicole Koren boasts a .325 average, 10 homers and 26 RBI while Alison Pittman is hitting .270 with 13 stolen bases on the year.

Mitchell has 21 wins in the circle and a 2.78 ERA in 214 1/3 innings of work, the most in the ACC. She has fanned 235 batters this season and also has completed 25 contests.

Radford is 29-10 on the year including a 14-1 mark in the Big South. The Highlanders have won their last 13 games, including a 9-3 win over Virginia Tech at home last Wednesday and a series sweep of Coastal Carolina over the weekend.

Shannon Keefe leads Radford with a .407 average. She also contributed 14 doubles and 30 RBI. Sarah Himan hits .400 with 13 doubles and a team-best 33 RBI in addition to seven home runs while Kristen Shifflett is hitting .380 with 25 RBI, 8 home runs and a team-best 18 stolen bases.

Chelsea Kelley is 17-5 on the year for the Highlanders and posts a 3.35 ERA while Kellie Snooks has a 3.86 ERA to go along with a 8-3 mark. Kelley’s 101 strikeouts in 131 2/3 innings leads RU’s pitching staff.

Virginia leads the all-time series with Radford, 17-12.