HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The Virginia softball team (2-0) posted its second shutout of the season on Friday (Feb. 10) as the Cavaliers defeated Sam Houston (1-1) by a score of 3-0 at the Bearkat Softball Complex.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Virginia got off to the quick start with a solo home run from Sarah Coon in the first inning. The Cavaliers extended the lead in the second when Kelly Ayer scored on a single to center from Leah Boggs. Virginia’s pitchers would then hold things in check until the Cavaliers would add a third run in the seventh inning.

Kate Goldberg’s double to right center in the seventh pushed Jade Hylton across the plate for the final margin of victory.

Molly Grube (1-0) picked up the victory with 4.2 innings of work as she allowed one hit, walked one and struck out one. Eden Bigham then picked up her first save of the season as she worked the final 2.0 innings, allowing two hits with one walk and three strikeouts.

NOTES ON THE DAY
• Freshman Eden Bigham picked up her first save of the season as she closed out the final 2.0 innings.
• Senior Molly Grube picked up her eighth career victory in her start against the Bearkats.
• Sarah Coon hit her first home run of the season and ninth of her career with the first-inning solo shot.
• Savanah Henley made her first of the year in relief of Grube in the fifth, getting the final out of the frame.

FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN
“I liked how we came out today with a lot of energy and put up a couple of runs in the first two innings. Their pitcher did a great job of keeping us off balance; we had a few mishits and a some balls hit hard where they were in the right position. It was a great game and Sam Houston played well. We really had to grind it out there at the end. Hats off to our pitching staff. They’ve kept us in every game. They’ve thrown it really well and competitively. We’re learning and growing. This game is tough and every opponent will be tough, so we have to keep our nice to the grind stone, get ready to play another doubleheader tomorrow and keep getting better.”

UP NEXT FOR THE HOOS
Virginia returns to action at the Houston Invitational with a game against Lamar at 11 a.m. ET before resuming Thursday’s suspended game against Houston at 6:30 p.m. ET.