Tech Downed by No. 6 Duke in ACC Tourney QuarterfinalsTech Downed by No. 6 Duke in ACC Tourney Quarterfinals
Softball

Tech Downed by No. 6 Duke in ACC Tourney Quarterfinals

Kauf’s 50th career double highlights the Jackets’ final contest of the tournament

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Georgia Tech softball fell to No. 6 Duke, 7-1, in the quarterfinals of the 2023 ACC Softball Championship on Thursday at Melissa Cook Stadium. The 10th-seeded Yellow Jackets (26-27, 7-17 ACC) were unable to avoid elimination at the hands of the second-seeded Blue Devils (44-9, 19-5 ACC) after leaving 10 runners stranded.

Senior catcher Emma Kauf led the White and Gold at the dish, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and her 50th career double. Also leading the team with 14 doubles this season, the Lincoln, Neb., native remains second in program history in the career category. Sophomore outfielder Ella Edgmon also picked up multiple hits on the day with a 2-for-4 outing.

Senior hurlers Blake Neleman and Chandler Dennis manned the circle as Neleman (11-11) got the start and received the loss. Breaking the 150-strikeout mark for the season, the right hander’s three punchouts in 2.2 innings bumped her up to 153 on the year. Dennis entered in relief, closing out the remainder of the contest through 3.1 innings of work.

Georgia Tech vs. No. 6 Duke

May 11, 2023 (Meg Lee)

How it Happened

Duke took the lead early, opening with a three-run blast in the bottom of the first.

Georgia Tech took a run back in the top of the third, utilizing small ball. Junior shortstop Jin Sileo led off the inning with a walk and stole second before sophomore outfielder Ella Edgmon put runners on the corners with a single, setting up a following RBI single off the bat of senior catcher Emma Kauf.

Leading 3-1 entering the bottom half, the Blue Devils regained a three-run advantage in the bottom of the third by way of an RBI single.

Following a scoreless fourth, Duke widened the gap in the bottom of the fifth with an RBI single and a two-run bomb for a 7-1 lead that would prove to be the final tally.

Game Notes

  • Kauf’s double marked the 50th of her career as she remains second all time in the category for the Jackets.
  • Kauf finished 2-for-3 with her team-leading 14th double of the season and an RBI.
  • The Yellow Jackets concluded their ACC tournament run in the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive season.

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