Sara Larquier hit her school-record 30th home run as the Virginia softball team opened its home schedule splitting a doubleheader with Radford (23-15).
The Cavaliers (18-12) claimed victory in the first game 3-1, as sophomore Karla Wilburn got the win, pitching four innings and allowing no runs.
"They were a tough team," Wilburn said. "But the defense held them tight and we never gave in."
Senior Sara Larquier went two-for-four with two RBIs and her third home run of the season, while the Cavaliers overall managed three runs on six hits and committed one error.
The Highlanders evened the series, claiming a 2-1 victory in the second game. Virginia made a run for the win in the bottom of the seventh when Jessica Taylor hit a triple to right field that rolled off right fielder Anne Tatum's glove, scoring Kat Mirras from first. But Michelle Salmiery subsequently grounded out to second base to end the game.
Wilburn took the loss, falling to 6-6 on the season.
"I thought we were a little flat," Virginia coach Karen Johns said. "I don't know what energy I thought we'd get playing at home, but it wasn't there."
Collecting only four hits in the second game, Johns felt disappointed in the offensive firepower of the team. The Cavaliers could not get a player in scoring position until the seventh inning.
"Our hitters were a little flat today," Johns said. "I think the doubleheader [Tuesday at George Mason] wore us out."
Johns, however, did speak highly of the pitching staff. Although one pitcher can take all the innings in the circle for one team, Johns rotates the pitching staff.
Coty Tolar pitched five innings in the two games and Erin Horn pitched 4.2 innings. Neither gave up a run.
After traveling for the first 28 games of the season, the Cavaliers were just glad to play in front of their home crowd.
"It's not easy being on the road all the time," Wilburn said.
Up next for Virginia, North Carolina visits Charlottesville this weekend for a doubleheader Saturday and another game Sunday.
"We were glad to get these midweek games in before we play UNC," Wilburn said. "It gives a chance for some in-game strategy."
At 28-10, UNC stands in third place in the ACC, with a 4-2 conference record.
"They have excellent pitching," Johns said.
And with a team batting average just over .250, this is cause for concern. The Cavaliers will need to manufacture runs and take the advantage of every base runner.
"They're a complete team," Johns said. "They've won some games and they've got some consistency and that's exactly what we want."
With the ACC so evenly matched, it is still any team's conference to win.
Knocking off a top ACC squad is the easiest way for the Cavaliers to move to the top of the conference, and their opportunity to do so is right around the corner.
Read More
Virginia baseball has an ace up its sleeve and in its bullpen — Dean Kampschror
By Xander Tilock | 8 hours agoThe senior pitcher is exactly what the Cavaliers need to succeed in 2025.
Wrestling gets blown out 34-9 on long road trip to Stanford
By Ryan Weiner | YesterdaySolid performances from its most reliable trio were not enough for Virginia.
Freshman excellence powers No. 5 men’s tennis past Boise State, No. 19 Alabama
By Thomas Baxter | 2 days agoVirginia, unlike many other regional hosts, held serve as its quartet's top seed.
