Softball: No. 23 Maryland rallies for 2-1 win as Virginia begins ACC/Big Ten Challenge

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

A tight pitcher’s duel went the way of the Terrapins on Friday, as a home run in the sixth inning proved to be the difference in a 2-1 loss for Virginia to No. 23 Maryland in game one of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge in Chapel Hill, N.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Virginia (5-2) scored first, manufacturing a run in the second inning when Gabby Baylog scored on a delayed steal. Lauren VanAssche took off from first and got caught in a rundown once Baylog broke for home, giving time for the senior to come home.

Maryland (5-1) took the lead in the sixth with a two-run shot to left field from Amelia Lech.

The Cavaliers got a chance with a hit batter to start the bottom of the seventh, but the Terrapins shut the door to pick up the win.

Eden Bigham (1-1) took the loss, working a complete game with the two runs allowed on three hits with four walks and seven strikeouts.

Trinity Schlotterbock (3-0) picked up the win with the complete game, allowing one run on two hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

NOTES

• Freshman RHP Eden Bigham worked her second complete game in as many starts this season.
• The Hoos hold a 34-25 lead in the all-time series with Maryland through 59 games played.

FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN

Coach Hardin on the opening game against Maryland and a look ahead to tomorrow’s games against Maryland and Minnesota.#GoHoos | #OnTheRise | #HoosNext pic.twitter.com/7neU5pIZCu

— Virginia Softball (@UVASoftball) February 17, 2023

“Eden pitched well it was just one mistake that got hit out. It was similar to the Nebraska game, but we put ourselves in a position to win again with the winning run at the plate in the seventh inning. We’re doing the right things, putting ourselves into position to come through and it’s just going to take that timely hit. We played well, it was tight and you expect that with great opponents. It’s going to be timely hitting and execution of our gameplan. We’ll keep playing hard and playing competitively.”

UP NEXT

Virginia continues play at the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Saturday when the Cavaliers face Minnesota at 10 a.m. and No. 23 Maryland at 12:30 p.m. Both games are being played at UNC.