Tuesday’s affair was a textbook win for No. 25 Virginia. After sweeping the series versus Syracuse, the Cavaliers (31-13, 11-7 ACC) took care of business against Radford at Palmer Park, securing a comfortable 6-0 win.
The Highlanders (24-21, 9-3 Big South) had no luck against the Virginia pitchers, who held them to four hits and no runs. Radford only put a runner in scoring position once — in freshman pitcher Ava Hodges’ only inning of work — but could not capitalize.
Before Hodges entered in the fifth inning, junior pitcher Eden Bigham worked two innings as the starter, followed by junior pitcher Courtney Layne who worked another two frames. Bigham returned to the circle in relief of Hodges and picked up right where she left off — she worked the final two frames and was the winning pitcher of record.
The Virginia bats continued to find success after a breakout series last weekend. They started hot, scoring a run in the first frame thanks to an RBI fielder’s choice by sophomore infielder Macee Eaton. Eaton, who held a .333 batting average entering the contest, now has 52 RBIs on the season — that puts her two shy of second place in single-season RBIs.
Sophomore infielder Bella Cabral resumed the scoring in the third inning, ripping a double down the third-base line to score a run. A two-RBI double by junior utility player M.C. Eaton shortly after extended the lead to 4-0.
The Cavaliers were relatively quiet after that, adding two more runs and winning in comfortable fashion. It was a solid all-around performance, one that Coach Joanna Hardin certainly enjoyed.
“The hitters have been doing a really good job of putting together quality at bats, making sure they get pitches in the zone – things they can do damage with,” Hardin said. “We appreciate the energy and effort from the offense, defense and the pitching staff continues to just put zeros on the board, which gives us a chance as an offense to figure things out.”
The outing was an encouraging and informative one, reinforcing what has gone right this season for Virginia — and what needs to improve with more competitive opponents on the horizon. The pitching staff, especially Bigham and Layne, continues to be a source of strength, giving the Cavaliers a chance to win any game against any team. Conversely, the offense has a tendency to go dry — Virginia hit just .250 with runners in scoring position against Radford, squandering nine opportunities.
The Cavaliers will not face another premier opponent in ACC play, taking on Louisville at home and Stanford on the road. With the ACC Tournament quickly approaching and Virginia locked into a spot, the goal should now be making the NCAA Tournament Regionals. A solid showing over the next two series will improve the Cavaliers’ case — they will begin their series against the Cardinals Thursday.
Read More
Live tracker: the women’s basketball offseason
By Cecilia Mould , Xander Tilock and Lauren Halak | 4 hours agoThis tracker documents Virginia's offseason moves.
Live tracker: the 2025 spring football transfer window
By Xander Tilock and Ryan Weiner | 4 hours agoVirginia football can add more talent April 16-25.
The strategy behind Virginia women’s tennis’s climb to the top
By Gracie Genereux | 9 hours agoCulture is the backbone, but strategy? That's where the difference comes.
