We didn’t play terrible against them in the first game, but I’m proud of the way the kids reacted after the first game and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.” I think if we clean up some mistakes against Kentucky, we’ve got a chance. So, we made it to Sunday and gave ourselves a chance. The thing I told the team was that nobody wants to go out of regionals on a Saturday. Taylor Edwards tossed the first four innings for Illinois allowing four earned runs on five hits with a strikeout.ĪTHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Rochard earned the win and moved to 22-3 on the season. Keely Rochard tossed a complete game for VT allowing four hits and one earned runs with one strikeout and two walks. VT would add another run in the sixth to seal the win. Nolan, who has hit 19 home runs this season, followed with a blast to leftfield off a 3-1 pitch to give the Hokies a 4-1 lead. ET with the victor advancing to the NCAA Super Regional.Īfter both teams traded runs in the first inning couple of innings, Virginia Tech took control of the game in the fifth with the leadoff homer by Velazquez followed by a Darby Trull double. If VT defeats the Wildcats in the first game, the two will face off in a winner-take-all battle at approx.

The win advances Virginia Tech to the regional final on Sunday against Kentucky with first pitch slated for noon ET.

– A three-run fifth inning by Virginia Tech that included a solo home run from Al Velazquez and a two-run shot by Caitlyn Nolan was the difference in the Hokies 5-1 elimination game victory over Illinois on Saturday evening at John Cropp Stadium.

Keely rochard pitching coach