Collegiate Times

Angela Tincher was not ready for this to be her last game in a Virginia Tech uniform. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular. Tincher allowed only one hit and struck out 19 on her way to a way 1-0 victory and a chance to play against Tennessee as well as improving her record to 34-6.

"Every game is really important and the first game in regionals is always important," said Tincher.

She surely pitched as if it may have been her last game and showed why she was named the ACC Pitcher of the Year for the 2008 season and why she also been a three time All-American. Tincher outperformed Louisville pitcher Kristen Wadwell who gave up seven hits and struck out five batters.

Misty Hall may have been the real hero of the game in the end. She belted a walk-off homerun over the wall in the bottom of the tenth inning to give Tech a dramatic victory over Louisville in the first round of the NCAA women's softball tournament. Hall had three hits on the day while Charisse Mariconda had two hits. Jenna Rhodes and Whitney Davis each had one.

If there is any concern for the Hokies, it may be the fact that Tincher threw 157 pitches in yesterday's game so there is that concern her arm may be feeling the effects. Tincher did throw 169 pitches against Arizona back on March 1, 2008 and came back in the next game to only throw 55 pitches in a 6-1 loss to South Florida.

Tincher knows that this team has a chance to do something special.

When asked what she thought made this team special, Tincher said, "We have a lot of energy and it's kind of like a growing program so we have a lot of motivation to make it better and prove ourselves."

The Hokies will have a chance to prove themselves against Tennessee and show that this team is truly special.