The Virginia softball team finished an even 2-2 this weekend at the East Carolina Pirate Clash. The Cavaliers (6-2) suffered a pair of losses in their two games Friday against Fordham and No. 21 Louisville, but bounced back Saturday with victories against Hofstra and Fordham. A fifth game against UNC Greensboro was scheduled for Sunday, but was canceled because of inclement weather.
In Virginia's tournament opener against Fordham (2-2), a strong showing by junior pitcher Melanie Mitchell was not enough to carry the Cavaliers, as they lost 2-1.
Fordham All-American senior pitcher Jen Mineau threw a complete game, striking out 10 and allowing just one run, which came off a solo shot from sophomore third baseman Marcy Bowdren.
The Cavaliers then fell to Louisville (8-0) by the same 2-1 score. Virginia's only run came off Bowdren's second home run of the day.
Virginia got things rolling offensively Saturday with a 7-2 rout against Hofstra (0-2) and a 6-4 victory in a rematch against Fordham.
Mitchell pitched a complete game against Hofstra, striking out eight. Senior first baseman Alexa Martinez helped lift the Cavaliers to a six-run third inning with a triple which pushed two runs across the plate.
In Virginia's final game, Bowdren smashed a three-run homer, her third of the tournament.
--compiled by Matt Comey