Liberty University’s Lady Flames softball team defeated No. 13 Virginia Tech by a score of 10-9 on April 22 at Tech Softball Park, ending the Hokies’ three-game winning streak.
The victory brings Liberty’s season record to an even 23-23, while Virginia Tech drops to 38-9. The result is significant as it marks Liberty’s first win over a Top 25 opponent this season and breaks a nine-game losing streak against the Hokies.
The game was closely contested throughout. After both teams scored in the first inning, Liberty pulled ahead with a five-run third inning that included key hits from Alexia Carrasquillo, Paige Doerr, Dani Lee, and JaMaya Byrum. Despite Virginia Tech narrowing the lead with home runs by Nora Abromavage and Rachel Castine later in the game, Liberty added insurance runs in the seventh inning through singles by Ella Fox and Savannah Jessee.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Abigail Findlay pitched for Liberty but allowed several runs before Caitlyn Nesbitt entered to secure her first career save with one out remaining. Findlay earned her fourth win of the season as she allowed nine runs (eight earned) on eleven hits over six and two-thirds innings pitched.
Statistically, Virginia Tech outhit Liberty twelve to nine but committed two errors compared to one by Liberty. Key offensive performances for Liberty included Fox going two-for-five with two RBI and two runs scored; Jessee also had two hits and an RBI; Carrasquillo contributed both offensively and defensively; Doerr doubled twice for two RBI; Lee added another double; Brynn McManus scored twice for her team.
Historically, this matchup has favored Virginia Tech who leads their all-time series against Liberty forty-five wins to seventeen. However, Wednesday’s win marked only the second time since March 2016 that Liberty has beaten Virginia Tech away from home field. The Lady Flames are now six-and-one in one-run games this year but have struggled against nationally ranked opponents overall.
Looking ahead, Liberty will finish its home schedule with four games at Kamphuis Field at Liberty Softball Stadium starting Friday.
