The Virginia softball team struggled in its ACC opener this weekend, losing two out of three games to N.C. State.
The Cavaliers (18-7, 1-2 ACC) were swept in a doubleheader Saturday, losing 3-2 in the first game and 9-1 in the second. Virginia scored first during the earlier matchup, picking up a run in the third inning with an RBI single by freshman outfielder Giannina Cipolloni. After N.C. State (13-10, 2-1 ACC) tied the game in the fourth, senior outfielder Casey Steffan hit her second home run of the season to put Virginia ahead 2-1. N.C. State then picked up two runs in the bottom of the fifth, giving the Wolfpack the lead for good. Senior pitcher Karla Wilburn, who pitched six innings and gave up one earned run with four strikeouts, took her second loss of the season.
The Cavaliers were limited to two hits in game two, with the lone run coming in the first inning. Meanwhile, N.C. State’s offense had three big innings, picking up three runs in the second, four in the fourth and two more in the fifth to notch the win. Freshman Stephanie Coates pitched 3 2/3 innings, giving up six runs off three hits in the losing effort.
Virginia bounced back Sunday to pick up its first conference win of the season in a 5-3 battle. With Virginia leading 3-2 going into the seventh inning, senior catcher Carly Winger hit her fourth home run of the season, a two-run shot to left field. N.C. State responded with a home run during its half of the inning, but Virginia hung on for the victory. Karla Wilburn earned the victory, giving up two earned runs off five hits and striking out two.
Virginia’s next game will be at Radford Thursday, before the squad returns home for a weekend series against Virginia Tech.
—compiled by William Hrachovina
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