The Virginia softball team will challenge non-conference foe Radford in a Thursday doubleheader on the road before preparing for a weekend series against in-state rival Virginia Tech.
The Cavaliers (18-7, 1-2 ACC) are coming off their first ACC series last weekend, in which they dropped two of three games against N.C. State. The losses gave Virginia insight into how to stay focused as the conference schedule gears up.
“I think that everyone was shown that as a team we need to focus on ourselves — not who we are playing — and that no matter who we are playing, we play our game and stick to our plan,” junior third baseman Abby Snyder said.
Radford (17-6) was a tough matchup for the Cavaliers last year, as the Highlanders swept the Cavaliers and managed to rack up 30 runs to Virginia’s seven.
This season, Radford remains a highly competitive opponent, supported by the offensive contributions of twin freshmen Nichole and Michele Beall. The two combined have knocked in 27 runs and hit seven home runs. As a team, the Highlanders already have smashed 31 home runs.
“Radford is definitely a good team,” Tacke said. “We are not underestimating them at all.”
Virginia, meanwhile, boasts its own strong offensive contributors. Radford pitcher sophomore Kellie Snooks will match her 1.88 ERA against Cavalier powerhouses senior outfielder Sarah Tacke and junior outfielder/pitcher Nicole Koren. Tacke has a .448 batting average and 33 RBIs thus far this season, while Koren, batting .431, also has matched Tacke’s eight home runs.
The Cavaliers hope their offense can keep pace with the Highlanders’, and will look to use the doubleheader as a way to gear up for a tough three-game weekend against a traditional rival.
Virginia struggled against the Hokies last year, swept by a collective score of 14-1. Although Tacke said she still regards the Cavaliers as underdogs heading into the matchup, Virginia should present a more formidable opponent this season.
Tech (10-16, 1-2 ACC) has had troubles this year after pitcher Angela Tincher graduated last year. Moreover, not only do the Cavaliers possess several offensive threats, they also boast a solid defense with a .953 fielding average. Senior right-handed hurler Karla Wilburn, who will likely start in the first game against the Hokies, has compiled an impressive 13-2 record and 1.64 ERA to lead Virginia’s pitching rotation.
The staff, however, will have to be cautious of Virginia Tech senior outfielder Jessica Everhart, who has tallied a .296 batting average and 14 RBIs this season. Senior designated hitter Jenna Rhodes, who already has swiped 19 stolen bases, also will test the Cavaliers’ defense.
“We know we can’t take anybody lightly,” Snyder said.
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