Softball: Virginia run-rules Maryland in home opener Tuesday

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Virginia picked up a run-rule win in the home opener on Tuesday, taking a 10-2 victory over Maryland (9-10) in five innings at Palmer Park.

Virginia got started with a two-RBI triple in the first from Katie Goldberg as she drove in Sarah Coon and Kailyn Jones who both drew walks to open the game.

The Cavaliers kept the scoring going with a big second inning, pushing two runs home on wild pitches before an RBI triple from Leah Boggs and another RBI single from Goldberg took the lead out to 6-0. The lead continued to grow with a two-RBI double from Tori Gilbert and a wild pitch that brought her home and made the score 9-0 after two complete.

Maryland got a pair of runs back in the third before the Hoos would shut the rally down. The Cavaliers then grabbed the win when Kelly Ayer delivered an RBI single up the middle in the fifth to grab the run-rule victory.

Savanah Henley (4-5) picked up the win, allowing the two runs on three hits with three strikeouts in 3.0 innings of work.

NOTES ON THE DAY

• The run-rule victory of Maryland was the fourth of the season for the Cavaliers.
• It was the third time this season the Cavaliers have scored at least 10 runs in a game.
• Katie Goldberg went 3-for-3 with three RBI to lead an offense that tallied nine hits and six walks on the night.
• It was the fifth time this season that the Cavaliers have drawn at least six walks in a game.
• Virginia has now won back-to-back games against the Terrapins – this being the first meeting since 2019.
• The Cavaliers lead the all-time series with Maryland 34-24.

FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN

“We had really quality at bats and took our walks early. 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. It was great seeing our freshmen come out and have great at bats. Kailyn Jones got a hit in her first start at home and then Kelly Ayer delivered the walk-off. There were positive things offensively and our pitching staff held them down and did what we needed to do. It sets us up nicely heading into conference play and we’re excited to get back after it this weekend against Notre Dame in front of our fans at Palmer Park.”

UP NEXT FOR THE HOOS

Virginia returns to action at home this weekend, hosting Notre Dame in a three-game series as the Cavaliers open ACC play. The series will kick off with a single game on Friday at 5 p.m. and continue with games at 1 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.