Big weekend for the Tech softball team, which is on pace to make its first NCAA Tournament since 2008, when the Hokies reached the College World Series.
WHO: Virginia Tech (27-12, 6-2 ACC) vs. Florida State (33-7, 8-1)
WHEN: Friday, 7 pm & Saturday, 12 pm (Doubleheader)
WHERE: Tech Softball Park
The battle for ACC supremacy will take place this weekend in Blacksburg, as conference leader Florida State pays the Hokies a visit for a three-game series. Tech comes into the series riding a nine-game winning streak, its longest of the season. The Seminoles are ranked 21st nationally, but are coming off a season-worst 9-1 loss to Florida on Wednesday. It should be noted, however, that the Gators are ranked 2nd in the nation.
A few notes of interest on the series after the jump.
This series pits the league's two best defensive teams against one another, with Florida State posting a ridiculous 0.88 ERA this season. The Hokies are second in the ACC with a 2.32 ERA. The Hokies lead the league with a .975 fielding percentage, with Florida State just behind at .970.
The Hokies have posted 11 shutouts this season, including three in their last five games. Florida State has 13 shutout victories of its own.
The Seminoles generate more offense than the Hokies, however, and that's where they hold an edge. Tech is dead last in the ACC with a.248 batting average. Florida State is second in the conference, batting .276. The Hokies do manage to put plenty of runs on the board still, averaging 4.5 per game. Florida State scores 4.6 runs per contest.
Here's a few key players for both sides:
Virginia Tech (*Leads team)
#17 Kylie McGoldrick, Second Base.
— .302*, 3 HR, 18 RBI, .425 Slug Pct.*
#3 Lauren Gaskill, Outfield
— .298, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 15 SB*
#22 Jasmin Harrell, Pitcher
— 17-8, 1.64 ERA*, 119 SO, 6 Shutouts
Florida State
#24 Briana Hamilton, Infielder
— .235, 6 HR*, 21 RBI, .520 Slug Pct.*
#7 Maddie O'Brien, Shortstop
— .245, 7 Doubles*, 5 HR, 31 RBI*,
#13 Lacey Waldrop, Pitcher
— 15-3, 0.90 ERA*, 88 SO