An agonizing weekend for the Virginia softball team ended yesterday with two losses in the Hoo's Who Tournament and a half-hour postgame team meeting.
After the Cavaliers (11-25) squandered a two-run lead and Penn State took a 7-4 extra-inning win in the second game of a doubleheader, coach Cheryl Sprangel held a lengthy meeting in rightfield with the demoralized players. The defeat was the Cavs' third in the four-game tournament.
|
Against the Nittany Lions (16-8), Cav pitcher Kristen Dennis began spectacularly, facing only 17 batters in five scoreless innings. In the sixth, however, Dennis allowed two runs on four hits, including a two-run single off the bat of Lion Megan Humphrey that rolled to the center field fence.
"She was clicking on really well, and sometimes they just start getting the timing," Sprangel said. "We talked about how, in certain situations such as with runners in scoring position, we need to pitch batters tougher."
After Cav catcher Stephanie Calhoun (2-for-2 with two doubles and two runs scored) crossed the plate in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game at three, Penn State tallied run after run on Dennis in the eighth.
In accordance with international rules, Lion center fielder Gina Bianchini was placed on second to begin the extra inning. She scored the tie-breaking run on a Cav error. Six batters later, catcher Colleen Kersey laced a shot down the first-base line that scored two and finished off the Nittany Lions' four-run inning.
Virginia opened the tournament Friday with 9-0 win against Pittsburgh and a 3-0 loss to Bowling Green. In yesterday's first game, the Cavaliers fell to Rutgers, 5-4. Penn State won all four of its games to finish as tournament champions.
Meanwhile, the Cavs, who were looking to turn their disappointing season around on the homestand, are still searching for answers.
"We're having a tough season right now," senior pitcher Stacy Zagol said. "All the talent is here. I don't doubt that. Conference play starts on Saturday and we'll be ready for that"
Read More
Mel Josephson and women’s lacrosse prepare to take center stage
By Xander Tilock | 17 hours agoJosephson's ability to perform throughout a game's biggest moments is crucial for the Cavaliers.
Virginia schools can pay players through NIL, but the University should proceed with caution
By Emory Huffman | YesterdayGiven the unique academic and athletic opportunities Virginia is able to offer its athletes, it is not shocking that Virginia has been resistant to extravagant, NIL-induced changes.
Record-setting weekend for Virginia track and field at Penn Relays and Virginia High Performance
By Tanmayi Patil | 2 days agoThe Cavaliers took down records across two events over the weekend.
