Highlanders Drop a Pair of Close Contests at Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Va. -- Radford’s softball team battled to the end, as rallies in the seventh inning in both games came up short, as they were swept by Virginia Tech, 4-2 and 6-5 this afternoon at Tech Softball Park. The Highlanders fall to 6-22, while the Hokies improve to 11-15, extending their winning streak to six.

In game one, Tech’s Katie Maynard tossed a complete-game and survived a bases loaded jam in the seventh, while Shanel Garafalo went 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI to lead the Hokies to the 4-2 win. Maynard improved to 5-4, as she allowed no earned runs, striking out four and walking two. Deana Benner (1-12) suffered the loss, striking out three and walking one.

The Hokies struck for a pair in the first on a two-run double by Megan Evans. Radford tied things up in the top of the fourth, courtesy of an error, two walks and an infield RBI single by Krista Carson. The Highlanders scored their first run without the benefit of a hit. After Lara Wohglemuth drew a leadoff walk and stole second, she would come around to score when Tech pitcher Katie Maynard overthrew first base. Carson plated Glynn Tolleson, who reached on the error, with a high chopper off of home plate.

In the bottom of the fourth, Sarah Prosise drew a bases loaded walk off of Deana Benner to put the Hokies back in front, 3-2. Benner got out of further trouble inducing a pair of ground outs to end the inning. They would add an insurance run in the sixth on a leadoff home run by Heather Todd. Todd finished 2-for-3 with a double, home run, one run scored and a RBI. Radford threatened in the seventh loading the bases, but Tolleson’s line drive was snared by Carmer Farmer for the final out.

In game two, Radford could not hold onto a 4-0 lead, as they fell 6-5. The Highlanders outhit the Hokies, 10-9, but stranded nine runners, including six in scoring position. Ashley Smith led the offensive attack, going 3-for-4, while Tolleson and Amanda Walling each finished 2-for-4. Tolleson scored a pair of runs as well.

In the second game, Radford jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the third inning, chasing starting pitcher Heather Pacheco from the game. With one out, the Highlanders loaded the bases on a hit by pitch and back-to-back singles by Ashley Smith and Tolleson. After Katie Lemmert lined out to first, Amber Drexel drew a walk to knock in Tina Rogers. Amanda Walling followed with an RBI single to center. Tolleson and Drexel scored when the ball scooted under the glove of centerfielder Sarah Prosise’s glove.

The Hokies battled back with a single run in the third and three more in the fourth. Pacheco's sacrifice fly to left scored Brown and then the eventual game-winner in the sixth scored when Theresa Walsh crossed the plate on a wild pitch. Radford cut the lead to 6-5 in the seventh as Tolleson scored on an error with two outs.

Jennifer Bosley suffered the loss, giving up five runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings. She struck out five and walked one as she drops to 5-10. Benner came in relief, giving up a run on two hits, while striking out one and walking one in 1.2 innings. She is just six strikeouts shy of the career record held by Sheree’ Fletcher (1994-97) at 309. Freshman Megan Stone came in and went the rest of the way to pick up the win and move to 2-2 on the year. She went 4.2 innings, allowing one unearned run - which came in the seventh - while striking out one.

Radford returns home on Saturday, March 29 when they host James Madison at 1:00 p.m.

Game1 Box
Game 2 Box