The Virginia softball team ended its season on May 17 after a 5-1 loss to No. 7 seed Tennessee in the regional championship game of the Knoxville Regional.
This marks the second time in three seasons that Virginia advanced to the regional championship game, both times facing Tennessee at the Knoxville Regional. The Cavaliers finished their year with a record of 40-15, achieving their first 40-win season since 2002 and only the fourth such accomplishment in program history. Their .727 winning percentage is also noted as the third-highest for a single season by Virginia.
Tennessee scored first with a sacrifice fly from Sophia Knight, bringing Taelyn Holley home in the third inning. Virginia responded in its half of the inning when Macee Eaton hit an RBI double to left center, scoring Jade Hylton after she walked and stole second base. Tennessee regained and extended its lead through subsequent innings, including runs from a fielding error, an RBI single by Makenzie Butt, a solo home run, and another RBI double.
Taylor Smith took the loss for Virginia, allowing four runs—three earned—on five hits over more than five innings pitched. Karlyn Pickens earned the win for Tennessee with nine strikeouts while allowing just one run on two hits during her complete-game performance.
Eaton’s RBI double set her single-season total at 66 RBIs, placing her at the top of Virginia’s all-time list for RBIs in one year.
Head coach Joanna Hardin said: “I’m so proud of the team. They left everything out there. It was some really tough turnarounds, but they battled and fought, slept and recovered, and did everything they could today. We asked them to lay it all on the line and they did that. You know this day is going to come at some point, but you try to delay it as long as possible. It’s been a gift to coach this team and to coach (these seniors) for four years. The sadness is just overwhelming gratitude for the opportunities this game has given us.”
Hardin added: “I’m really grateful Taylor (Smith) had amazing mentors to learn from in her young career. She really grew up this weekend. We had a lot of great moments and things to build on. Our hearts are just hurting.”
Looking ahead, Virginia will reflect on achievements made throughout this season while preparing for future campaigns.
