Virginia defeated Liberty Lady Flames 4-0 in a softball game at Kamphuis Field at Liberty Softball Stadium, according to an April 28 announcement. The Cavaliers finished their regular season with a record of 37-12, while the Lady Flames concluded their home schedule with a record of 23-27.
The matchup was notable as Virginia entered ranked No. 23 in the NFCA/GoRout Division I Top 25 Coaches Poll. The Cavaliers scored early, beginning with a leadoff home run by Jade Hylton in the first inning. Additional runs came from a sacrifice fly by Bella Cabral and another home run by Reagan Hickey in the third inning, followed by a bases-loaded walk in the fourth.
Pitchers Taylor Smith and Eden Bigham combined for a two-hit shutout for Virginia, keeping Liberty scoreless throughout the game. Bigham earned her thirteenth win of the season after pitching five innings of relief and striking out six batters. Smith started for Virginia and allowed only one hit over two innings.
Liberty’s Danner Allen took the loss after giving up three runs on two hits over nearly three innings pitched. Gabby Mike and Abigail Findlay also saw time on the mound for Liberty during the game. Dani Lee led Liberty offensively with two hits.
Historically, Virginia now holds a 52-32 all-time advantage against Liberty in softball, winning both games this season—a feat not accomplished since 2014. Under Head Coach Dot Richardson, who has led since her tenure began several years ago, Liberty is now 25-99 against nationally-ranked opponents.
Looking ahead, Liberty will finish its regular-season schedule with a three-game series at Kennesaw State before competing in the CUSA Softball Championship next week at Delaware.
