Softball: UVA battles, but comes up short in 2-0 loss to No. 4 Clemson

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Virginia got another solid day in the circle, including a six-strikeout relief outing from Jenny Bressler but dropped the tight battle at No. 4 Clemson on Sunday by a score of 2-0 in the series finale.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Clemson (29-1, 6-0 ACC) scored two runs in the first inning and held on to that advantage down the stretch to pick up the victory. The Tigers loaded the bases with one out in the first and got on the scoreboard with a single to left from Alia Logoleo combined with an error on the field attempt that allowed a second run to score.

Virginia (18-10, 1-5) and Clemson each had chances with runners in scoring position over the course of the next six innings, but each time the defense and pitching came through to hold the game in check.

Molly Grube (7-6) took the loss, allowing the two ones – one of them earned – on a walk and three hits in the first.

Valerie Cagle (13-1) picked up the win as she scattered six hits across seven innings with five strikeouts.

NOTES

• Jenny Bressler made her 10th relief appearance of the season, entering in the first inning on Sunday.
• Bressler’s six strikeouts and 5.0 innings of work were the most in relief this season for the right-handed pitcher.
• Eden Bigham worked the final two outs, entering in the sixth and getting a double play with the bases loaded.
• Leah Boggs threw out her seventh runner on a steal attempt this season in the second inning to lead the ACC.

FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN

“We wanted to come in and string together a lot of quality at bats. We felt like we let a couple of innings get away from us when we had some opportunities yesterday, so we wanted to put together the quality at bats and make the pitching staff work. We did that really well at the plate today. What a great job by our Jenny Bressler coming in and closing the door and Eden Bigham coming in and getting a double play ball. Our pitching staff kept us in there the whole weekend which was awesome. We didn’t have a lot to show for some really quality at bats with balls hit right at them. We really grew up a lot between yesterday and today. I’m excited for the week to get back after it against Hofstra on Tuesday.”

UP NEXT

Virginia will return to action on Tuesday when the Cavaliers host Hofstra in a doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m. at Palmer Park.