Tech Outlasts Northwestern in Thrilling Opening Day

By Ishan Lamba

Staff Writer

February 11, 2022

After a brief relief appearance, Keely Rochard embraced Tech’s quick turnaround and orchestrated a second one-run win on the day.

The Hokies (1-0) had just concluded a come-from-behind victory that nearly turned into a four-run blown lead were it not for Rochard under pressure.

The Wildcats (1-0), on the other hand, were well rested after dispatching the UConn Huskies in an 8-0 five-inning bout.

The teams started out firing.

Northwestern’s Skyler Shellmyer opened the game with a single, reaching second on a throwing error, and eventually advancing to third on a wild pitch. Tech had three errors in their last game, which nearly cost them the win, and it seemed like it was happening again.

Shellmyer stole home to put Northwestern up 1-0 in the first.

Virginia Tech answered in kind, with a Cameron Fagan leadoff single that was eventually converted, courtesy of a sac fly by Jayme Bailey.

With the game tied at one, the Hokies piled on two more in the third. Ally Repko had a right center double to score Bailey and Emma Ritter’s RBU gave Tech a 3-1 lead.

After a loose first inning, Rochard tightened up throughout the game, dealing like Lemley before her, and ending with 15 strikeouts.

While Northwestern was able to cut into Tech’s lead with a leadoff double in the sixth that could not be dealt with, the Hokies did not give the Wildcats an inch more, securing a victory in another closely fought match.

Despite going 4-for-7 on leadoff hitters, Northwestern was 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position, while Tech went 2-for-8, which ended up being the difference.

This is the fourth straight year that the Hokies have won their first two games, and they will look to continue against Michigan State at 3:30 pm EST and No. 12 Missouri at 6 pm EST.