SOFTBALL TOPPED BY VIRGINIA TECH

BOX SCORE RADFORD, Va. – Radford dropped an 8-1 decision to Virginia Tech on Tuesday evening from RU Softball Field.

Senior Ryndee Ruch paced the Highlanders (16-29), stroking two doubles, and finishing 2-for-3 with a run. It was her first multi-double game of her career and moved her season total to 10. Freshman Becky Mantel also went 2-for-3.

Radford was limited to four hits, but had several opportunites as Virginia Tech made five errors on the evening.

"We need to learn to take advantage of mistakes," said head coach Maggie Johnson. "When a team gives you mistakes on defense, you have to be able to take advantage of those opportunites and score more runs."

Maggie Tyler went the distance for the Hokies (28-15), surrendering four hits and striking out six. Courtney Liddle was 3-for-3 with two doubles and three runs. Kylie McGoldrick hit a pair of home runs and knocked in four.

"We have to battle and be more agressive when we get our pitch at the plate. The good thing is, we have another opportunity against them tomorrow."

The Hokies struck for a pair of early runs on a two-out bases loaded single by Bailey Liddle in the first. The Hokies loaded the bases with one out and after a strikeout, Liddle pulled one off the end of her bat into shallow right for a 2-0 lead. She finished with three hits with two RBI.

A two-run home by MGoldrick doubled the Hokies lead to 4-0 in the third.

The Hokies took command of the game with a four-run sixth. After two quick outs, a fister off the bat of Kat Banks extended the frame. Virginia Tech followed with four straight hits, two that left the yard, doubling its lead to 8-1.

Radford pushed across a run in the sixth on a RBI fielder's choice by junior Jessie Hutchens. The RBI opportunity was set up by a leadoff double by Ruch and a one-out single by Mantel.

Senior Jackie Jenkins started and took the loss in three innings of work. She allowed four runs on four hits with two strikeouts and three walks.

The two teams turn around and play tomorrow in Blacksburg. First pitch at Tech Softball Park is scheduled for 3:00. The contest was originally scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Print Friendly Version