Virginia Falls To North Dakota State Tuesday

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia softball team (15-11) fell to North Dakota State (14-12) by a score of 2-0 at Palmer Park on Tuesday (March 15).

HOW IT HAPPENED
North Dakota State broke through in the pitcher’s duel in the fourth inning when Reanna Rudd hit a two-run shot to left center to put the Bison on the board.

That two-run shot would be all that was needed as the Cavaliers were unable to push a run home.

Mikayla Houge (6-4) took the loss for the Cavaliers, allowing the two runs on three hits with a walk.

Paige Vargas (7-4) picked up the win for the Bison, working 7.0 scoreless as she limited the Cavaliers to the two hits while walking one and striking out seven.

NOTES ON THE GAME
• The loss marked only the third time this season that the Cavaliers have been shut out through 26 games.
• RHP Madison Harris struck out the side in the seventh and has now allowed only one run in 12.0 innings of relief.
• Mackenzie Wooten worked 2.2 scoreless innings in relief, allowing only one hit in her time in the circle.
• Sarah Coon’s single extended her streak of reaching base safely to 21 consecutive games this season.

FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN
“It was definitely disappointing. We came out a little flat and lacking some energy. Every team on our schedule is competitive and tough and we got out-toughed a little bit and out-efforted a little bit. In those games, one swing of the bat is a difference maker. I’m disappointed with the effort and lack of intent today. Hopefully we take the day off on Wednesday and can reset and recalibrate for NC State this weekend. I know we’re better than we showed. When we play with a lot more energy and the way we are capable of, it’s really fun. We have to reset and come back ready to get back to work.”

UP NEXT FOR THE HOOS
Virginia will go back out on the road this weekend, traveling to face NC State in a three-game series. The series opens at 6 p.m. on Friday (March 18) and will continue with single games on Saturday at 1 p.m. and noon on Sunday. All games will be played at the Dail Softball Stadium.