Virginia Tech defeated Virginia, 3-1, in the Atlantic Coast Conference Quarterfinals on May 8. Emma Mazzarone led the Hokies with a career-high 14 strikeouts, allowing just one run off four hits in a complete-game performance.
The victory advances No. 13/16 Virginia Tech (45-9, 18-6 ACC) to the ACC Semifinals. The game was marked by strong defensive plays and timely hitting from the Hokies. In the early innings, Mazzarone reached her 150th strikeout of the season while holding Virginia scoreless. Michelle Chatfield contributed defensively with a double play in the second inning.
Addison Foster opened scoring for Virginia Tech in the third inning after tripling down the right field line and reaching home on a throwing error by Virginia. The Hokies extended their lead in the fourth inning when Zoe Yaeger and Annika Rohs each hit RBI doubles, making it a 3-0 game.
Despite a late push from Virginia that loaded the bases in the seventh inning, they managed only one run as Mazzarone closed out her record-setting day. “Emma Mazzarone threw a career-high 14 strikeouts,” according to team officials. This is noted as “the most strikeouts in an ACC Tournament game for Virginia Tech since Angela Tincher (May 11, 2008).”
With this win, head coach Pete D’Amour has now guided his team to their fifth appearance in an ACC Semifinal round. Game notes also highlight Foster’s two hits and RBI doubles from both Rohs and Yaeger.
Looking ahead, No.13/16 Virginia Tech will face No.12/12 Duke (39-13, 20-4) in Friday’s semifinal matchup at 3:30 p.m., which will be televised on ACC Network.
