The Hokies softball team faced uncharted territory on Thursday, making its Women's College World Series debut at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.
Its opponent, Texas A&M, proved to be a formidable match as the Hokies fell one run short of victory, losing 1-0 in a duel between two of the nation's top pitchers.
Angela Tincher, named USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year this week, led the Hokies. Tincher allowed just one unearned run and two hits over six innings and had an impressive nine strikeouts.
However, that wasn't enough as in the bottom of the sixth inning, A&M's pinch runner, Andrea Tovar, scored the go-ahead and eventual game-winning run. Tovar scored from second base on a throwing error by Tech third baseman Charisse Mariconda.
Texas A&M's star, pitcher Megan Gibson, closed the door on the Hokies by retiring the side in the top of the seventh inning. Gibson allowed just five hits and struck out nine in seven innings of work.
With the loss, the Hokies have dropped to the loser's bracket in the tournament and must win their next game to advance in the competition.
Tech will try its luck again on Saturday against the top-seeded Florida Gators who were upset by Louisiana-Lafayette prior to the Hokies' battle on Thursday. Coverage will start on ESPN and ESPNHD at noon.
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