Collegiate Times

This time last year, the Virginia Tech softball team was 10-16. They have made a huge turnaround, though, as it enters this weekend, 21-8.

Although disappointed from going 1-2 in last weekend’s series against the University of North Carolina, the girls are back in action as they take their home field, Tech Softball Park, for a weekend battle with Boston College.

“I thought we didn’t play like ourselves,” said Scot Thomas, head coach, of the North Carolina series. “Our hands were very slow at the plate, a little tentative. Maybe it was because it was the first ACC game and we had a lot of younger kids playing. “

However, freshman Dani Anderson and sophomores Courtney Liddle and Betty Rose have been outstanding hitters so far this year.

Anderson, who leads the Hokies with a .391 batting average, has had 34 hits so far this season, including five doubles and a triple. Liddle, who had a freshman-record 11 home runs last year, is on her way to that same goal, with a .368 batting average and four home runs already under her belt.

“I wish I hit more dingers already this year but it doesn’t really bother me as long as my team is winning and we are winning a lot more,” Liddle said.

During Sunday’s win against North Carolina, Liddle was cleated by a runner as they were running to first base. Liddle, who caught the ball and made the out before falling on the field, was taken to a local hospital. “You could see my Achilles from where the cleat had taken skin off,” said Liddle. “I’m just glad I didn’t hurt my ACL. That could have taken me out for one year or even my entire career.”

Liddle was sporting a soft walking foot cast on her leg where the injury happened, and will not be playing in the upcoming series against Boston College.

“She’s one of our top hitters so of course it’ll hurt us,” Thomas said. “But someone is going to step up and get it done in her absence.”

Rose, who has shown a lot of improvement this year, is hitting .333 with six home runs and four doubles. The sophomore, who only had 28 batting appearances last season, has already tripled that number halfway into the season.

“I really like a curveball, I feel like I can sit on it now,” Rose said.

With an improving bat and a .979 fielding percentage, Rose is becoming a well-rounded threat in the ACC.

 “Our whole lineup can get the job done,” Liddle said. “There is no one weak spot and everyone is confident, even the girls not on the lineup.”

Liddle, Rose and Anderson all agreed it is impossible to “pitch around” the depth Tech has to offer.

With a .292 batting average as a team, the Hokies host talent and depth they have not had in the past few seasons.

Junior Kristen Froehlich has also improved from last season — from a .195 batting average to .303.

The Hokies already defeated Boston College 3-2 back in February, and believe they have an advantage.

During that game, the Hokies had seven hits compared to Boston’s three, with senior pitcher Kenzie Roark allowing two runs on three hits with three strikeouts.

“Boston College swept UVA,” Rose said. “So we are really going to come out and attack this weekend”

Tech takes the field against the Eagles Saturday at noon and Sunday at 1 p.m. 

A version of this article appeared in the Mar 25 issue of the Collegiate Times.