Keely Rochard and Mackenzie Lawter Prepare For Final Chapter at Virginia Tech

The date February 9, 2018 probably doesn’t register with most Virginia Tech softball fans, but perhaps it should. It was actually a glimpse into the future of the program.

On that day, the Hokies won their first game of the 2018 season in Gulf Shores, Ala. with a 19-1 win over Florida A&M.

At first glance, that result wouldn’t seem to be very memorable. However, a closer look at the box score that day will make Hokies softball fans smile.

In the circle for Tech was Keely Rochard, a freshman pitcher from Williamsburg, Va., making the second start of her career. The Hokies gave her some early breathing room, scoring 14 runs in the first two innings, but she also did her part, throwing a two-hit complete game and striking out six in the five-inning (run-rule) game to record the first win of her career.

On the receiving end of her pitches that day was a freshman catcher from Halifax County, Va., Mackenzie Lawter, making the first start of her college career. She wasted no time making an impact, throwing out a runner trying to steal in the top of the first inning. Lawter also recorded her first collegiate base hit with a single to right field in the bottom of the inning.

Although they had been teammates on the travel ball circuit, that day was the first time the two were in the Hokies’ lineup at the same time. But it certainly wouldn’t be the last. And who could have ever imagined what the future would hold for the two of them or for Hokies softball?

Including that day, the duo of Rochard and Lawter has started 61 games together over the span of four years, 30 of which came in 2021.

Candidly, neither had a dominating 2018 season. Rochard went 5-4 with a 3.03 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 69 innings. Lawter only batted 16 times in 16 games. But both worked hard at getting better and adjusting to the college game.

After the season, Pete D’Amour was hired as Virginia Tech’s new head coach and he fondly remembers meeting both of them for the first time.

“Mac came to meet me at the first tournament I recruited for VT,” D’Amour said. “The two traits I remember about Mac that day were, 1. She didn’t talk much, and 2. She laughed at all my jokes. Years later, she still laughs at all my jokes and has developed into a respected leader on the team. 

“Mac comes to practice ready to learn, get better, and be a good teammate. … There’s never been a day since I’ve been in Blacksburg where Mac has come to practice in a sour mood or not ready to practice. She sets the tone for us.”

With Rochard, D’Amour exchanged text messages before asking her two important questions.

“After some formalities, I got down to the two questions,” D’Amour said. “‘How hard do you throw and what’s your go to pitch?’ She answered, ’65 mph, rise ball.’ That helped me sleep that night! 

“Keely came out in her first game of 2019 and struck out 13 and has continued to put together one of the best statistical pitching careers in VT softball history. Like Mac, I’ve never had to worry about what I’m getting out of Keely – on or off the field. She shows up, gets her work done, and cheers on her teammates.”

The campaign that followed in 2019 was the start of something special for both players. Rochard posted a 22-3 record along with a 1.81 ERA and 193 strikeouts in 162.2 innings. Lawter started 45 games and hit .278 with 11 home runs and 30 RBIs.

Still, both have continued to get better. Rochard has become one of the most storied pitchers in Virginia Tech history, starting 89 games in her career, pitching 585 innings, and striking out 782 batters along the way. She has a career ERA of 1.68.

Lawter has been behind the plate for most of those games (61 of those starts, to be exact), starting 115 games in her Hokie uniform. She has been a solid defensive player for the Hokies with a career fielding percentage of .990, committing only 9 errors in 912 chances. Lawter has also thrown out 27 runners attempting to steal, which ranks fifth on the program’s all-time list. 

Although Rochard has become a national name in softball circles, don’t underestimate the impact that Lawter has had on her success.

“Mackenzie is as good as they come behind the plate,” D’Amour said. “These two have been together for six or seven years now. Mac knows what makes Keely tick and Keely always has the option to shake off Mac. We give them suggestions on how to attack hitters, but it ultimately falls on them. 

“The comfort level they have with each other is unique in the softball world and it’s fun to watch.”

Rochard loves working with her battery mate, whom she has a great relationship with.

“Mac can easily read what I want to throw and when I want to throw it,” Rochard said. “One of the girls just made a comment the other day, ‘I hate it when you and Mac are together because I always think I know what’s coming and y’all do the opposite.’ It’s definitely been a huge advantage having Mac as my catcher for as long as I have.”

The appreciation is mutual from Lawter, who has been on the receiving end of many of Rochard’s outstanding performances, such as her 12-strikeout game against No. 2 UCLA in last year’s Super Regional.

“These past five years have been so much fun, especially getting a front row seat to watch Keely perfect her craft and become one of the best in the nation,” Lawter said. “Having played travel ball together, I am so glad we got the opportunity to come to Tech and get five more years together. When I am catching Keely, I always know what to expect from her, and her consistency is something that always gives us a chance when she is on the mound.”

Now, the two friends begin one final season together in Blacksburg. Expectations are high for this 2022 Virginia Tech team and the Rochard to Lawter connection will certainly play a huge role.

No one is more thankful for the two than D’Amour, who will rely heavily on them in 2022.

“From a purely selfish standpoint, I am thankful Keely came back to VT,” D’Amour said of Rochard’s decision to spent another season at Tech. “Had she wanted to test the waters for her fifth year, she could have gone to any school in the country, but her legacy at Virginia Tech is important to her. Hopefully we can send Mac and Keely out on a high note. The two of them certainly deserve it.”

The final chapter begins on Friday when the Hokies open their season against Wisconsin in Leesburg, Fla.