The No. 13/16 Virginia Tech Hokies defeated North Carolina, 5-4, to complete a series sweep on Apr. 26, with home runs from Kylie Aldridge and Rachel Castine playing key roles in the victory.
The win matters as it marks another strong performance for the Hokies this season and strengthens their standing in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The team improved its record to 41-9 overall and 15-6 in conference play.
North Carolina’s Emily LeGette started the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning, but Virginia Tech quickly responded when Addison Foster was hit by a pitch and Jordan Lynch singled before Aldridge hit a three-run homer to center field. The Tar Heels tied the game in the third inning and took a brief lead on an RBI groundout in the fifth.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Nora Abromavage doubled before Castine hit her eleventh home run of the season to give Virginia Tech a decisive two-run advantage. Bree Carrico pitched four innings before returning for her fifth save of the year during North Carolina’s final at-bat.
According to game notes released by Virginia Tech, “Tech is now 10-3 against North Carolina under head coach Pete D’Amour.” The notes also state that “Tech has won nine of the past ten matchups against the Tar Heels” and that “both seniors, Aldridge and Castine homered in their final regular season game at Tech Softball Park.” Additional highlights include Carrico’s fifth save of the season and Emma Mazzarone improving her pitching record to thirteen wins.
Looking ahead, Virginia Tech will travel to Syracuse for its final ACC series of the regular season from May 1 through May 3.
