Behind a 2-hitter from pitcher Angela Tincher, the Virginia Tech softball team repeated as ACC Champions with a 2-0 victory over NC State on Sunday. The win improved the Hokies to 44-15, and they now await word of their regional destination in the NCAA Softball Championship.
It was a dominating performance by Tincher, who was coming off a no-hitter in Saturday’s semifinal win against Florida State. She struck out 14 batters while improving to 33-6 on the season. After the game, she was named tournament MVP.
Both of Tech’s runs came in the second inning. With runners on second and third, NC State All-ACC shortstop Shanna Smith misplayed a ground ball, allowing Beth Walker and Jenna Rhodes to score. That’s all the run support Tincher needed.
The final could have been a lot worse. The Hokies left the bases loaded on three occasions, but despite hitting the ball well, excellent defensive plays by NC State prevented the game from turning into a rout.
This is the second consecutive ACC Championship for the Hokies. Tech and Florida State are the only two teams to ever win the ACC Championship in consecutive seasons. The Hokies are 7-0 in the ACC Tournament over the last two years, and 12-4 since joining the conference.
Virginia Tech will find out where they will play in the NCAA Regionals later tonight. The Selection Show will be televised by ESPNU tonight at 10pm. NCAA Regionals begin this Friday.
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