Rochard Dominates Boston College as Hokies Win Series Opener

Behind an absolutely brilliant performance by All-American Keely Rochard, the #2 ranked Virginia Tech softball team (37-6, 19-2) defeated Boston College 3-0 Friday night. The win gives the Hokies 26 wins in their last 29 games and moves the team one win away from clinching the ACC regular season championship

Rochard was in total lockdown mode on Friday, limiting the Eagles to 4 hits, two of which were bunt singles. She struck out 15 while walking only one.

“Keely was on today,” said Hokies Coach Pete D’Amour after the game. “She commanded her rise and change up a lot better than she has been lately.”

The Hokies got Rochard the only run she would need in the second inning when a bases loaded walk to Cam Fagan scored pinch runner Maija Louko. In the following inning, pinch runner Jenna Pearson would add to the VT total when she scored on a Boston College throwing error.

Senior Mackenzie Lawter capped off the scoring in the 7th inning with a solo home run, her second hit of the game. The blast was Lawter’s second home runs in the past two games.

Designated hitter Meredith Slaw continued her red hot hitting, going 3 for 4. In her last 12 games, Slaw is hitting .553 (21 for 38) with 5 home runs and 18 runs batted in.

The Hokies registered 7 hits, but left 12 runners on base, including leaving the bases loaded twice. But D’Amour wasn’t overly concerned. “We left a lot of runners on base which means we had a decent day offensively, said the VT Coach. “Some days you knock runners in, sometimes you don’t. We just need a few more competitive at bats with runners in scoring position tomorrow.”

Tomorrow (Saturday) will provide the Hokies the chance to clinch their second regularly season title in the last three completed seasons. Game time is 1:00 pm and the contest is scheduled to be shown on ACC Network Extra.