Virginia Falls to No. 1 Alabama in Citrus Classic Finale

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Virginia softball team (12-7) fell to top-ranked Alabama 4-0 Sunday in the finale of the Citrus Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Cavaliers finished the tournament with a 3-2 mark, including a win over No. 13 Oregon Saturday.

For the contest, the Crimson Tide (20-1) outhit Virginia 6-2. Junior Alison Pittman and freshman Stephanie Harris both had infield singles for UVa.

Alabama freshman Jackie Traina was 3-for-3 at the plate and recorded all four of the team’s RBI. She also earned the win in the circle, going five innings with six strikeouts and no walks to improve to a perfect 8-0 on the year.

Sophomore Melanie Mitchell (7-6) acquired eight strikeouts in six innings of work. She allowed just one walk.

The Crimson Tide jumped on the board early with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Kayla Braud was hit by a pitch and Jennifer Fenton walked to start the stanza. Teammate Whitney Larsen bunted them over and both runners would score on a Traina double to right center for a 2-0 advantage.

Traina struck again in the third with a two-run homer to left field as Alabama took a 4-0 lead over UVa.

Virginia will play host to Longwood in its home opener Tuesday at the Park. The Cavaliers and Lancers will play a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.