The Virginia women's softball team will kick off conference play against in-state foe Virginia Tech in Blacksburg this weekend after a split doubleheader versus Liberty Wednesday night.
"We're definitely excited to get back to ACC play; that's where it really counts," senior outfielder Sarah Tacke said.
The Cavaliers (15-13, 2-0 ACC) are coming into the matchup after a March 14 sweep at Maryland and a strong performance at the Judi Garman Invitational in Fullerton last weekend. Despite Virginia's three losses at the invitational, it still held No. 8 Oklahoma to only two runs and came out on the winning end of a 1-0 contest with Fresno State.
"We know we need to keep working to get where we want to be at the end of the season," senior pitcher Nicole Koren said, "so I think that it was good for us to play some good competition."
The team has plenty to prove after its poor ACC performance last year, which culminated in a 2-15 record. Beginning the conference portion of the schedule against the Hokies (13-17, 2-1 ACC) - who won a series against N.C. State last weekend - also just adds to the pressure the Cavaliers face.
"It's always a really intense and exciting weekend playing rivals," Tacke said.
During their past 10 games against the Hokies, the Cavaliers have won only once - a record that may provide more motivation for Virginia to succeed.
"We know we want to come out and attack them right away," Koren said.
Staying hot at the plate and minimizing error will help Virginia in its quest for its first series win versus its rival since the 2004-05 season.
"We've had some timely hitting this year which has really helped us, and we just have to keep that going," Tacke said.
Both Virginia and Virginia Tech have similar team batting averages, .260 and .257, respectively.
The series begins Saturday at noon with a doubleheader, and the weekend will be capped by a 1 p.m. finale Sunday.
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