Collegiate Times

It was a rough day for the Virginia Tech batters. The Hokies only managed three hits with no runs. Michigan didn't fare much better but it was able to get one run on four hits and one run – all that would be needed.

Angela Findlay of Michigan had the game-winning RBI in the bottom of the sixth inning to give Michigan a 1-0 edge in the best-of-three series.

Michigan pitcher Jordan Taylor had much to do with Michigan's success as she pitched all seven innings, giving up no runs on three hits. Tech's Angela Tincher had another strong outing, pitching all of six innings, striking out 10 batters and giving up one run on four hits.

In the top of the first inning, the Hokies were able to get their first two batters on base. Jenna Rhodes got things started with a single right up the middle. Next up was Erin Ota who was hit by a pitch and advanced to first, putting Rhodes on second and with no outs. Things would cool down quickly for Tech after these two sequences. Third baseman Charisse Mariconda was up next but would strike out. Shortstop Misty Hall would then pop up to right field giving Michigan two outs. Hall's hit would allow Rhodes and Ota to advance -- putting Rhodes on third and Ota now on second. The hope of scoring would be short-lived. With two outs, Kelsey Hoffman stepped up to the plate and flied out to right field, stranding runners in scoring position. The Hokies wouldn't pose much of a threat the rest of the game and Michigan would go on to win 1-0.

Tech will play game two against Michigan in Ann Arbor tomorrow at 1 p.m. The match will be televised on ESPN.

Recently, Angela Tincher was named as one of three finalists for the 2008 U.S.A. Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. The other two finalists were senior Tonya Callahan of Tennessee and senior Megan Gibson of Texas A&M. Tincher was also earlier named ACC Pitcher of the Year. Tincher is currently third all-time in career strikeouts with 2,051.