The Virginia softball team had lost seven straight games coming into Wednesday’s matchup against Longwood. The Cavaliers (9-22, 0-6 ACC) knew they had their hands full, as the Lancers (13-9, 2-0 Big South) were riding a three-game winning streak.
Things didn’t seem to get any better for Virginia as they started off the two-game series on a sour note, losing their first game of the day 7-1. Virginia’s offense struggled, as they could only muster up two hits, with their only run coming courtesy of an error. Freshman pitcher Erika Osherow couldn’t seem to find rhythm, as she gave up four runs on seven hits.
However, the Cavaliers would bounce back in convincing fashion in the second game of the series, winning 6-3. Freshman pitcher Lacy Smith starred for the Cavaliers, pitching a complete-game and striking out three, while the Virginia offense had a solid game, collecting eight hits, including a homerun. The teams were tied heading into the seventh inning, but a big top of the seventh inning saw Virginia score three crucial runs to take the lead. Virginia was able to hold on in the bottom of the seventh inning to secure a big win on the road.
The Cavaliers will now take a day off before they kick off a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Panthers in Pittsburgh.