May 12, 2001
Raleigh, N.C. – The Georgia Tech softball team battled and found some offense, but was unable to overcome a pair of Virginia home runs and dropped a 3-2 decision in an elimination game of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. The event was held at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh, N.C.
Tech finishes its season with a 24-29 record, while Virginia improves to 52-16 with the victory.
After a scoreless first inning, the Yellow Jackets took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning as Erin Hawley laced a lead off double into left-center field, her second two-base hit in as many games. She was followed by Kori Jacobson, who sent a double into much the same area that plated Hawley from second.
Virginia took the lead in the top of the fourth inning with a pair of runs. After Ruby Rojas led off the frame with a bunt single and Kristen Dennis struck out, Heather Field sent the first pitch she saw over the left field fence.
Tech answered immediately in the bottom of the fourth inning, as Mimi Utt recorded a one-out infield single and then moved up a base when Jennifer Biggers sent a single of her own down the left field line that chased Virginia starter Joanna Barstad from the game. Sara Wissmann replaced Utt at second and both she and Biggers moved up a base on a wild pitch by Kristen Dennis. Susanne Miller then recorded a sacrifice fly to right field to knot the score at 2-2.
The Cavaliers climbed back on top for the final time in the top of the fifth inning as Meaghan Young sent Tech starter Erin Voeltz? 2-2 offering over the right field fence to make the score 3-2 in favor of Virginia.
The Yellow Jackets were unable to push across any runs in the next three innings in taking the loss. Dennis (18-7) picked up the win in relief for Virginia, as she went 3.2 innings without allowing a hit and giving up just one walk. Voeltz (12-18) was saddled with the loss for the Jackets as she went the distance for her 25th complete game of the year, allowing the three earned runs while striking out four Cavaliers.
Virginia advances to face Maryland in another elimination game later in the afternoon.
