With Hardin at the helm, the softball program has experienced a renaissance and this year, they are off to a roaring start.
“It’s great to be at home,” Coach Joanna Hardin said postgame. “We love playing at Palmer Park and we look forward to seeing our fans at the ballpark on a beautiful weekend for a big series against Georgia Tech.”
Despite the snapping of their winning streak, the Cavaliers emerged triumphant from Chapel Hill. They will now return to Charlottesville for a homestand with a standalone contest against Hampton Tuesday, followed by a weekend series against Georgia Tech for their second ACC matchup.
“Everyone is getting us ready for ACC play,” Hardin said. “That’s what this part of the season is all about — seeing who can do what and when and how. It’s to put ourselves in high-leverage situations, put ourselves in tough situations and compete.”
After a pair of road and home victories, Virginia has now extended its win streak to 14 since its opening loss to then-No. 8 Arkansas.
The first pitch of the season in Palmer Park was thrown around 1:00 p.m. Friday. The third inning in Virginia softball’s home opener finished up not long after 2:30 p.m. What occurred in that hour and a half can only be described as pure domination.
Reliable stars and inexperienced talent played their parts in running the table in Conway after a devastating loss to open the season.
Former graduate wide receiver Jahmal Edrine was arrested and taken into custody Thursday after being indicted by an Albemarle county grand jury on one count of rape and one count of abduction.
Hillman and Baxter possess the talent to make their mark in Charlottesville.
The new-look Cavaliers will debut in the Kickin’ Chicken Classic in Conway, S.C. — their first matchup comes Feb. 6 against Arkansas.
