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Hokies Lose Close ACC Quarterfinal

The Hokies faced No. 23 Notre Dame during the quarterfinal round of the ACC Championship Tournament.

By jayjohnson09
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

After a weather delay and postponement, the Hokies fought hard against the No. 21 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but ended up losing the quarterfinal ACC Championship round, 4-5.

The Hokies were scheduled to open the ACC Championship by taking on Notre Dame, in Raleigh on Thursday night.  Due to inclement weather in the area the game was delayed after one inning of play, and eventually postponed until Friday morning.

The next day the Hokies and Fighting Irish returned to the field to finish the remainder of the quarterfinal matchup.  Before the game had been postponed, Notre Dame had managed to score an early run at the bottom of the first.  So, when the Hokies and Fighting Irish again took the field to finish the remainder of the quarterfinal matchup Virginia Tech was down, 0-1.  VT senior pitcher, Maggie Tyler, had another solid game where she pitched seven strikeouts.

The Irish were able to increase their lead, by a run, during the third inning, and the Hokies entered the top of the fourth behind, 0-2.  That was the end of the Hokies’ scoring drought.  Kelsey Mericka crushed a defenseless softball for a solo homerun while the Hokies held ND scoreless.  Virginia Tech took control of the game at the top of the fifth when they ripped off three runs.  Freshmen, Chelsea Whitcomb, followed Mericka’s example and forcefully escorted another ball over the wall for her own solo homerun to tie the game, 2-2.  Before the Irish had their chance at bat, Davenport and Johnson both added to the Hokies run total.  Notre Dame was again held scoreless at the bottom of the inning, and entering the sixth Virginia Tech was leading, 4-2.

The Fighting Irish did not lay down and Notre Dame tied the game up, 4-4, with a homerun and a runner on base at the bottom of the sixth.  The Hokies were held scoreless during the seventh.  Unfortunately, Notre Dame was able to score on an error for a walk-off victory, defeating the Hokies, 4-5.

With the loss the Hokies fall to 29-28 overall.  Virginia Tech now awaits the NCAA Tournament Selection, which will be announced Sunday, May 15.   The NCAA Regionals begin on Friday, May 20.

With her seven strikeouts, Maggie Tyler, became the third Hokie pitcher to throw 700 strikeouts.

Both Maggie Tyler and Laren Duff were named to the All-ACC First Team.

Lauren Duff also picked up ACC Freshmen of the Year, and is the first Hokie to ever earn the accolade.

Hopefully, the Hokies will make the NCAA Tournament cut.  Best of luck ladies!  Either way, Gobbler Country congratulates you on a season well played, and to the seniors best of luck in all your future endeavors! As always, GO HOKIES!

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