When the final home game rolls around, a team wants to be able to look back on its home season proudly and honor those members playing in friendly territory for the final time.
Yesterday afternoon in front of an ample crowd at The Park, the Virginia softball team (47-13, 4-2 ACC) did just that against ACC rival Maryland (34-16, 1-3), beating the Terrapins in two come-from-behind wins, 3-2 and 5-1. The contest followed Virginia's sweep of Pittsburgh on Saturday, 8-2 and 2-0.
With yesterday's victories over the Terps, Virginia extended its current winning streak to 10 and finished its home schedule with a perfect 18-0 record.
Playing for the final time at home was senior right fielder, tri-captain and team leader Meaghan Young, who holds 12 Virginia records. With a tearful senior ceremony, the team recognized its leadoff hitter's invaluable contribution to the team.
"She's had an awesome, unbelievable season," junior pitcher Kristen Dennis said. "It's been a pleasure to be on this team with her. I'm just glad we could get two wins for her in her last home games."
In the two hour and 10 minute nailbiter of a first game, Virginia fell behind by two to the Terps early in the second inning and trailed, 2-1, going into the bottom of the seventh. After second baseman Jill Bumler fouled out to Maryland's shortstop, Young scorched a triple into center field. Next in the lineup, junior center fielder Kelly McCabe sent Young home on a single and forced the game into extra innings.
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In the top of the ninth, Dennis, Virginia's top pitcher who was returning this weekend after a seven-game injury hiatus, struck out two Maryland players. Pitching a complete game, Dennis had 11 strikeouts on the afternoon.
Having Dennis back was "huge," Virginia coach Cheryl Sprangel said. "She's definitely our pitcher that gets the toughest games. To throw the first game and be the leader, she's the one we need. It feels great to have her back."
Following Dennis' strong sequence, Young returned to the plate in the bottom of the ninth to rip another ball into the outfield and advance to second base.
Then, with two outs and two strikes, sophomore third baseman Ruby Rojas traded places with Young on a double to end the game with a triumphant 3-2 finish.
"Probably the key thing today was to be down by two runs and come back," Sprangel said. "To me, that just says that our team has a total character and they believe in themselves. They don't think anything's insurmountable."
In the nightcap game, Maryland again got on the scoreboard first in the top of the third, but Virginia junior pitcher Erin Allinder gave up only one hit after the Terps went ahead, 1-0, and held Maryland scoreless for the remainder of the game.
The Cavaliers responded to the deficit and tied the match in the bottom of the fourth when freshman first baseman Hannah Owings singled home McCabe. In Virginia's next offensive series, the Cavaliers went up, 2-1, before Owings returned to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded.
On a single up the middle, Owings racked up one RBI. But in addition to the run, Maryland self-destructed with poor defensive choices and a throwing error, allowing two more Cavaliers to come home on the play. Virginia ended the fifth inning with four runs and secured the game's final score, 5-1.
"We're really aggressive on the bases," Owings said. "And when we have the opportunity like that for a big play, we like to make things happen."
Yesterday, with the opportunities to complete the home season with a perfect record and to honor Young with two wins, Virginia showcased determination and heart to make both happen.
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