Softball: Virginia wins two to open UNCG Invitational

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

The Virginia softball team (7-5) won both games on Friday to kick off play at the UNCG Invitational, defeating Towson (1-9) and Bucknell (2-7).

The Cavaliers defeated the Tigers 10-2 in five innings in the first game and downed Bucknell by a score of 5-1.

GAME 1: Virginia 10, Towson 2 (5 Innings)

Virginia scored multiple runs in three innings on the way to the run-rule victory to start the day against Towson.

The scoring started with a three-run first inning that was highlighted by an RBI double from Sarah Coon and a two-run home run from Leah Boggs. Virginia added a run with an RBI triple from Bailey Winscott in the second inning before plating two more runs on an RBI double from Boggs and an RBI groundout from Kailyn Jones in the third.

Towson got two runs back in the fourth, but the Cavaliers would push four more runs home in the fifth. Kelly Ayer delivered a bases-loaded triple to score three runs before coming home on a wild pitch two batters later.

Mikayla Houge (4-0) picked up the win, working 4.0 innings in the start and allowing the two runs while scattering six hits. She did not walk a batter and struck out five. Mackenzie Wooten closed out the fifth, striking out one.

GAME 2: Virginia 5, Bucknell 1

Virginia jumped out to the early lead again, pushing three runs home in the first behind a two-run home run from Katie Goldberg and an RBI single from Boggs.

The teams traded runs in the third with Bucknell getting a solo home run before Virginia would answer with an RBI single from Kelly Ayer. Sarah Coon then drove in a run with an RBI single in the fourth to take the lead out to 5-1. That lead would hold down the stretch as Virginia picked up the win.

Savanah Henley (1-4) picked up the win in relief, entering in the third and working 3.1 innings. She allowed two hits with a walk and a strikeout.

NOTES ON THE DAY

• Katie Goldberg hit her third home run of the season to move into a tie for the team lead.
• Savanah Henley picked up her first win of the season with the relief appearance against Bucknell.
• RHP Madison Harris made her first appearance of the year, striking out the Bucknell side in order in the seventh.
• Reece Holbrook made her first appearance of the season in the tournament opener against Towson.
• Mikayla Houge did not walk a batter for the eighth time this season and has only walked two batters this year.

FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN

“It was great to come away with two wins today. We had contributions from five pitchers and multiple players made plays for us offensively and defensively. Our offense was disciplined at the plate and we took aggressive swings at pitches in the zone. I’m happy with the growth of our team. Each game we continue to get better. I believe we have a high ceiling and I’m excited to watch us continue to pursue our best.”

UP NEXT FOR THE HOOS

Virginia returns to action on Saturday (Feb. 26) with two games as play at the UNCG Invitational continues. The Cavaliers will face Towson again at 9:30 a.m. before taking on Loyola-Chicago at noon.