Conventional wisdom says that most major conference schools try to use early season non-conference games to tune up heading into their conference schedule. Oddly enough, conventional wisdom need not apply to this year's Virginia softball team.
Virginia currently has amassed a 14-21 record. That does not tell the whole story, however, as Virginia is 3-2 in the ACC. None of the five games has come against the cellar-dwellers of the ACC, either. The Cavaliers' 3-2 record has been compiled against N.C. State and No. 19 Georgia Tech, two of the top-notch ACC teams that have over thirty victories apiece on the season.
"We are looking forward to the ACC," Virginia coach Cheryl Sprangel said. "We seem to be playing better in the ACC than in non-conference."
Fortunately for the Cavaliers, the ACC is coming to town this weekend. Virginia hosts a three-game series against rival Maryland (18-10, 2-1 ACC) this weekend at The Park, starting with a doubleheader Saturday at noon. A single game Sunday at noon will round out the series.
For the second time this week, the Cavaliers will host a team at home that is riding the momentum of a winning streak. The Terrapins have won their last eight games including victories against ACC opponent Virginia Tech and non-conference foes Villanova and Delaware State.
"We need to attack them hard, especially in the first game," sophomore second baseman Elea Crockett said. "We can use that momentum for the rest of the weekend."
The Terrapins have been led by sophomore first baseman Lindsay Klein, who is leading Maryland in batting average (.352) on the year. Maryland also is piloted by senior outfielder Crystal Tweedy, hitting .325 on the year, and sophomore Keri Lounge, who made last year's All-ACC team as a freshman.
Maryland's pitching staff is unique in that the Terrapins use four pitchers, all having at least six starts on the year. Most teams only start two to three pitchers once the season starts to bear down. The anchor of the staff is senior Jessica Aditays, who is 5-2 on the year with a 2.10 ERA.
"Maryland has more of the type of pitching that we can hit," Sprangel said. "I'm looking forward to that because of the good pitchers, the real pitchers."
Virginia has history on its side, too. The Cavaliers beat the Terrapins twice in three games last season and lead the all-time series against Maryland, 23-7.
"They'll be good games, but I think we always have an edge on Maryland," Sprangel said. "We've always been able to pull most of them out. Once in awhile, they'll come by and get us. They're usually good for us to get two of three at least."
This weekend also is Alumni Reunion Weekend for softball players. After the first game against Maryland, Virginia will retire the jersey of former great Kristen Dennis, who last played in 2002. Dennis leads the Cavaliers all-time in home runs hit, with 29 on her career, and is second overall in batting average with a career mark of .363.
Perhaps the presence of history will help Virginia pull out a victory this weekend against Maryland. It couldn't hurt, as conventional wisdom has obviously bailed on the Cavaliers this year.
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