Virginia Drops 10-Inning Game With Georgia Tech SaturdayVirginia Drops 10-Inning Game With Georgia Tech Saturday

Virginia Drops 10-Inning Game With Georgia Tech Saturday

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The No. 14 Virginia softball team (24-3, 3-2 ACC) went to extra innings for the third time in the last five games, but came up short on Saturday (March 14) as Georgia Tech (17-12, 5-3 ACC) claimed the 7-5 victory to set up a rubber match between the teams.

First pitch in the rubber match on Sunday (March 15) is set for 1 p.m. at Palmer Park and admission is free.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Georgia Tech struck first on Saturday, sending a leadoff home run into the left field bullpen to start the second inning. Virginia responded in the bottom of the second with back-to-back home runs from Hannah Weismer and Reagan Hickey to take the 2-1 lead.


The Yellow Jackets responded with a three-spot in the third to take the lead back at 4-2. Once again, Virginia answered with a three-run fourth inning. After loading the bases, a walk of Madison Greene, a single from Macee Eaton and a fielder’s choice from Bella Cabral put the Hoos back on top 5-4.

Georgia Tech tied the game in the seventh with a two-out single and escaping a jam in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings. Virginia got runners to third in both the eighth and ninth inning, but couldn’t push the winning run home. The Yellow Jackets went in front in the 10th with a bases-loaded single followed by an error with a dropped ball on a force out at the plate to take the 7-5 win.

Courtney Layne (8-2) took the loss in relief, allowing three runs – two of them earned – on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts in 4.1 innings of work.

Kenley Hilleary (2-0) picked up the relief win, working 6.2 innings and allowing one run on 10 hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

NOTING THE HOOS

  • It was the third time in the last five games that Virginia has gone to extra innings and the third time in the last four ACC games played.
  • Virginia had players hit back-to-back for the second time this season with the home runs from Hannah Weismer and Reagan Hickey in the second inning.

    FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN
    “I saw a lot of competitiveness on both sides and a lot of fight. We had a lot of opportunities to come through with that game and we didn’t execute. The name of the game tomorrow is having a clear plan and executing at the plate and defensively. We got lost in a few key moments that would have turned the game in our favor. We have to get rested up and get back at it. We know it will be a dog fight all the way through.”

    UP NEXT FOR THE HOOS
    Virginia and Georgia Tech conclude the weekend series on Sunday (March 15). First pitch is set for 1 p.m. on ACC Network. It is fan appreciation day at the park with free rally towels given out while supplies last. Admission is free to the public.