Virginia Tech Softball Reaches ACC Title Game After 5-0 Win

Virginia Tech's softball team is heading to the ACC Championship game for the first time since 2012 after shutting out Duke 5-0 in a home run showcase that left fans cheering.

The No. 16 Hokies dominated Friday's semifinal matchup in Charlottesville, sending four home runs sailing over the fence from four different players. Michelle Chatfield started the power display with a 272-foot blast to center field in the first inning, followed by Nora Abromavage's 18th homer of the season in the second.

Rachel Castine added a third solo shot in the sixth inning before Kylie Aldridge capped the scoring with a two-run bomb in the seventh. The offensive explosion gave the Hokies plenty of cushion as they improved their season record to an impressive 46-9.

The pitching performance might have been even more remarkable than the hitting. Bree Carrico and Emma Mazzarone combined for a complete shutout, marking the first time all season that Duke had been held scoreless.

Carrico delivered a clutch strikeout with the bases loaded in the third inning to keep Duke off the board during their best scoring opportunity. Mazzarone closed out the game with three strikeouts, including the final punch-out with runners on base to seal the victory.

The Bright Side

This championship run represents a milestone for head coach Pete D'Amour, who is leading the Hokies to their first ACC title game under his leadership. The team has now outhit their opponents in 49 of 55 games this season, showing consistent excellence at the plate throughout the year.

The Hokies also improved their all-time record against Duke to 11-10 and their ACC Tournament record to 24-19. Their balanced attack features three players with at least 14 home runs this season, demonstrating the depth of talent on this squad.

Virginia Tech will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup as they chase their first ACC championship in over a decade. Win or lose, this team has already made history and given their fans plenty of reasons to celebrate a remarkable season.