Keely Rochard and Virginia Tech Post Another shutout in Kennesaw

Ryan Wilkes

February 15, 2021

KENNESAW, Ga. — No. 15 Virginia Tech did what it loves doing on Valentine’s Day afternoon, completing a three-game sweep over Kennesaw State with a 4-0 win on Sunday.

The story of the day for Tech was junior pitcher Keely Rochard.

Less than a day after throwing a complete game with 11 strikeouts, Rochard continued business as usual. Surrendering only two hits all game, Rochard dominated from the first pitch to the last crack of the glove.

Both the Owls’ and the Hokies’ bats were ice cold on the chilly Georgia afternoon. The Hokies hit just six-for-28 (.214) and the Owls were a brutal two-for-24 (.083) from the box.

Despite the less than ideal performance from the box statistically, Tech found a way to get it done with some extremely timely hits.

Freshman Emma Ritter broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fourth inning with a double, scoring Jayme Bailey. Cameron Fagan and Kelsey Bennett tallied RBIs. An infield error off a grounder by pinch hitter Morgan Overaitis, scoring Bennett.

The Hokies thoroughly asserted their dominance this weekend with two impressive pitching performances from Rochard and another complete game shutout from freshman Ivy Rosenberry. Not only did Tech leave Kennesaw with a series sweep, they completely shut out the Owls, 16-0.

Virginia Tech (3-0) heads to Clemson next week to take on the Tigers in a three-game series with a well-earned chip on their shoulder as it kicks off ACC play.

Kennesaw State (0-3) takes a trip to Chattanooga to compete in the Chattanooga challenge where it will take on Western Kentucky, Indiana State and the Mocs.