The next battle of the Commonwealth Clash takes place in Tech Softball Park this weekend as the Virginia Cavaliers visit Blacksburg for a 3 game set. Friday’s game is set for 6:00 pm, Saturday’s game is scheduled for 2:00 (nice warm-up for the Spring Game) and Sunday’s game is on tap at 1:00 pm. Of course, weather could alter plans, so stay tuned.

The Wahoos (16-22) come to Blacksburg on a 10 games losing streak, having last won on March 21st when they beat Duke 2-1. Since then, they’ve been swept in series versus FSU and UNC, and have lost single games to Duke, Radford, Liberty, and Longwood. They have gotten run-ruled in 6 of those losses and got shutout last weekend at UNC (only registering a total of 6 hits in the 3 games). The total score during their 10 game losing streak has been 86-15. That’s ugly, folks.

UVA was picked last in the preseason ACC poll, but swept Pittsburgh in their opening ACC series of the year. However, it now looks like that may have been more of a reflection on Pittsburgh than the Wahoos, as UVA has struggled to pick up quality wins. According to the NCAA RPI Team Sheet, UVA is 0-10 against the RPI Top 50 and their best win is a victory against Bradley (RPI 70). Eleven of their 16 wins have come against team with RPIs over 150 (Pittsburgh is 199).

Most of the Wahoos’ struggles can be traced to their pitching staff, which has a Team ERA of 5.12. That ranks 243 in Division I. Senior Allyson Frei has started 17 games, but only finished 3 of them as she has an ERA of 4.96. Second in starts is Freshman Aly Rayle, who has 12 starts and an ERA of 5.05.

Offensively, the Hoos are led by Senior Lacy Smith, who leads the team in average (.410), hits (48), home runs (13), and RBIs (33). The only other Virginia player hitting over .300 is Hayley Busby (.333) who leads the team in runs scored (24).

Conversely, the Hokies continue to hum along, both offensively and in the circle, having won 17 of their last 19 games. Keely Rochard made headlines against JMU with a 5 inning perfect game, and she and Carrie Eberle continue to form a dynamic 1-2 punch in the circle with a combined team ERA of 2.09 and 260 strikeouts in 251 innings.

Although the Hokie bats were uncharacteristically quiet in game 1 versus JMU (and All-American) Megan Good, they exploded for 12 runs in game 2, including 11 hits and 4 home runs. For the season, the Hokies are batting .348 and averaging 7.38 runs per game.

Against JMU, Coach Pete juggled his lineup, moving Jamie Bailey to the leadoff spot. She responded by getting on base 5 out of 6 times via 3 hits, a walk, and a HBP, and scoring 3 runs. That moves her batting average to .419 and her on base percentage to .518.

Batting second is Darby Trull, with an a teaming .429 average and a .500 on-base percentage. Those are pretty awesome numbers at the top of the lineup.

Emma Strouth continues her blistering year with a .422 average and teaming leading 54 hits and 48 RBIs. Caitlyn Nolan leads the Hokies in HRs, and still hits over .300. And it just goes on and on

Kelsey Bennett, .383, 11 HRs
Al Velazquez, .352
Grace Chavez, .409
Lauren Duff, .302, with 2 HRs vs. JMU
MacKenzie Lawter .279
Maddie Banks .268

A complete stats comparison between the teams is below.

Looking at the numbers, you have to think the Hokies pick up the Commonwealth Clash point this weekend, and personally, anything less a sweep will be disappointing. Still that’s why you play the game. Remember, Grand Canyon University beat FSU earlier this year.

Let's pack TSP and show these ladies how much we appreciate their efforts.

Let’s Go Hokies!!!




[Post edited by VTChip at 04/12/2019 11:09AM]