The Virginia softball team faced off against Maryland in Charlottesville Tuesday evening. The Cavaliers (13-9, 0-0 ACC) scored seven runs in the second inning, which powered them to a run-rule victory over the Terrapins (9-10, 0-0 Big Ten).
Virginia struck first, scoring two runs from a triple by junior infielder Katie Goldberg in the first inning.
In the second inning, the Cavaliers extended their lead to 9-0 after putting up seven more runs. Sophomore infielder Abby Weaver and senior infielder Arizona Ritchie both scored off wild pitches.
Sophomore catcher Leah Boggs tripled to drive home freshman outfielder Kailyn Jones, and Goldberg singled to get another run. Senior outfielder Tori Gilbert had a two RBI double to give Virginia a nine-run advantage.
Maryland responded in the third inning with two runs of its own. Sophomore outfielder Megan Mikami doubled to bring home two runs for the Terrapins.
The third and fourth innings were slow for the Cavaliers, with just one hit by Goldberg during that time. In the fifth inning, freshman utility player Kelly Ayer singled up the middle, allowing Gilbert to score and closing out the game. This brought the Virginia lead to eight runs, ending the game due to the run rule.
Sophomore left-hand pitcher Savanah Henley earned the win for the Cavaliers after striking out three batters and giving up just three hits and two runs through three innings. With the victory, Henley has improved to 4-5 this season.
Virginia scored 10 runs off of nine hits, powered by Goldberg. She led the way with three hits and three RBIs and was 3-3 from the plate. Goldberg has a batting average of .275 and leads the team with 17 RBIs.
Virginia was able to pick up its fourth run rule win this season after coming out on top 10-2 against the Terrapins.
“We had really quality at bats and took our walks early,” Coach Joanna Hardin said. “One thing we’ve talked about is controlling the strike zone and we did a good job of that. Most of our walks scored, so we really capitalized early and that was a positive thing to see.”
The Cavaliers begin conference play with a three-game series at home against Notre Dame this weekend. Virginia will play the Fighting Irish Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., both of which will be broadcast on ACCNX. The final game of the series on Sunday will air at 2 p.m. on ACCN.
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