Business as Usual: Tincher Shines in Win

Behind another stellar pitching performance from senior Angela Tincher and timely hitting, the Virginia Tech softball team beat in-state rival, University of Virginia, 4-0 Saturday at Tech Softball Park.

Tincher tossed a complete game shutout, allowing only one hit and striking out 14.

“She (Tincher) pitched a great game and we played good ball behind her,” said head coach Scot Thomas. “I feel pretty good about what we did today we went ahead and took care of business and played well.”

Tech jumped out to an early lead in the first inning on a single by catcher Kelsey Hoffman that scored junior Erin Ota who earlier hit a double to reach base.

The Hokies later added two more runs in the third inning after third basemen Charisse Mariconda plated Ota by hitting a triple. Mariconda then scored on a single by Hoffman.

The final run of the game was in the fourth inning when outfielder Whitney Davis scored on another hit by Mariconda. The Hokies were led by a balanced hitting attack and great defense in the field to go along with Tincher’s excellent pitching.

“I felt like I was throwing pretty hard today,” said Tincher. “I think we mixed it up pretty well. Kelsey (Hoffman) called a great game.”

Tincher improves her record to 18-4 this season and is now 202 strikeouts short of becoming only the third pitcher ever in Division I softball to record 2,000 career strikeouts.

With the win the Hokies improve their record to 26-10 overall and 8-2 in the ACC. The Cavaliers fall to 12-25 overall and 4-6 in the ACC.

The Cavaliers lone bright spot came when shortstop Carly Winger singled in the top of the seventh inning with two outs to break up the no-hitter.

Today’s game had a large turnout with 713 people in attendance.

“What a great crowd,” said Coach Thomas. “It was a great atmosphere.”

The Hokies and Cavaliers wrap up the series tomorrow with a doubleheader starting at noon.