CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The No. 14 Virginia softball team (24-2, 3-1 ACC) scrapped out a gutsy win on Friday (March 13) as the Cavaliers used two early runs along with solid pitching and defense to grab a 2-1 victory over Georgia Tech (16-12, 4-3 ACC) at Palmer Park.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Cavaliers scored in the first inning with a single to center from Bella Cabral bringing Kassidy Hudson home from second. Hudson reached on a double to set up the score on the Cabral at bat.
Virginia doubled the lead in the second inning, capitalizing on a throwing error to push another run home. With Hannah Weismer at second, Jaiden Griffith hit a grounder to third and the throw to first was off target, allowing Weismer to score and put Virginia up 2-0.
Georgia Tech got a run back in the sixth with a triple to center. Kassidy Hudson leaped at the fence, robbing what would have been a home run but couldn’t hold on to the ball as she hit the ground, allowing the runner to score. But the defense and pitching held for the Hoos from there as Virginia grabbed the win.
Julia Cuozzo (4-1) picked up the win, allowing three hits with five strikeouts through 4.0 innings of work. Courtney Layne picked up her third save of the season, working the final 3.0 innings in the victory.
Madalyn Johnson (8-6) suffered the loss, allowing the two runs on five hits with six strikeouts through 4.0 innings of work.
NOTING THE HOOS
- Virginia head football coach Tony Elliott threw out the first pitch for the Cavaliers prior to the game.
- The Cavaliers are now 20-1 this season when scoring first and 18-1 this year when scoring in the first inning.
FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN
“First, what a gift to have Tony Elliott come out and address the team and throw out the first pitch for our ACC home opener. Such a special man leading our football program. That was a great start to the game. We came out intent and knowing what we were looking for. The pitchers were excellent attacking the zone and closing the door. We know the series will be tough and a dog fight between the two teams, and we expect nothing less. We have to level up a bit and sustain the energy and focus of our approach – a couple of innings got away from us – but this is ACC play and everyone is bringing their best game and attacking. We’ll all make adjustments and it will be a competitive series.”
UP NEXT FOR THE HOOS
Virginia and Georgia Tech continue the series on Saturday (March 14) in a 2 p.m. contest at Palmer Park. It will be Heroes Appreciation Day and service members and first responders will be recognized for their service. Fans can also get free koozies while supplies last.https://virginiasports.com/boxscore/18828