CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The No. 17 Virginia softball team (33-6, 10-5 ACC) used a three-run home run from Alex Call to vault into the lead and held on down the stretch to take the series opener from No. 11 Virginia Tech (34-6, 9-4 ACC) by a score of 4-3 at Palmer Park on Friday (April 10).
The Hoos take the opener over the Hokies!#GoHoos | #4for40 | #PeopleMakeThePlace pic.twitter.com/965hWtTqb0
— Virginia Softball (@UVASoftball) April 11, 2026
HOW IT HAPPENED
Virginia Tech struck first, plating a run in the fourth inning with a Michelle Chatfield double off the wall in centerfield that scored Nora Abromavage from second.
The Cavaliers answered in the home half with a three-run shot to left center from Alex Call. Kelsey Hackett and Reagan Hickey scored on the play after Hackett reached on a fielder’s choice and Hickey reached on an infield single chopped to the right side.
Alex Call with the long ball puts the Hoos on top of the Hokies 3-1!
— Virginia Softball (@UVASoftball) April 10, 2026
📺 ACCNX#GoHoos | #4for40 | #PeopleMakeThePlace pic.twitter.com/MVo7cEtKuE
Virginia added to the lead in the fifth inning with an infield single to the right side from Macee Eaton, allowing Jade Hylton to score from second. The Hoos led 4-1 after the fifth.
The Hokies answered with a two-run rally in the sixth inning, taking advantage of a Virginia error and free bases to get within one. The Cavaliers held onto the lead, however, getting a fly out with the bases loaded to end the inning up 4-3.
Virginia held things in check from there to take the series-opening victory.
Eden Bigham (12-1) picked up the win, allowing one run on two hits with four walks and five strikeouts through 4.1 innings of work. Julia Cuozzo picked up her second save of the season, working the final 2.2 innings with two unearned runs allowed on one hit three walks and a strikeout.
Emma Mazzarone (9-4) took the loss, allowing the four runs on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts in the complete game.
NOTING THE HOOS
- Alex Call’s home run in the fourth inning was her fifth of the season and Virginia’s 51st home run this year.
- Call’s three RBI tied a career high, matching her mark set in the series-clinching win with a three-run home run at North Carolina (3/7/26).
- Jade Hylton’s run scored in the fifth inning was her 178th, matching the program record set by Heather Field (2001-04).
- Macee Eaton’s RBI single put her tied for third on the single-season RBI list with her 54th of the season.
FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN
“I saw a ton of competitiveness, freedom and joy. We’re at our best when we’re smiling and not taking ourselves too seriously, just leveling up to whatever the game calls us to. I love it when our players come out and perform to who they are. Our team was present and in the moment. We’ve talked about being grateful for the opportunities the game gives us and being competitive.”
UP NEXT FOR THE HOOS
Virginia and Virginia Tech continue the weekend series on Saturday (April 11) at Palmer Park. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. and admission is free. It’s the program’s annual Strikeout Cancer Game in support of cancer awareness and research.