Tigers Claw Past Hokies: Virginia Tech Falls in ACC Semifinals
CHARLOTTE — May 10, 2024 — Virginia Tech’s softball team fell to Clemson in the ACC Semifinals, with a final score of 10-9. The Friday afternoon game saw the Hokies battle hard, but ultimately lose, despite a record‑breaking performance by Cori McMillan, who smashed her 30th home run. This game showcased the Tigers’ rally in the sixth inning,ending the Hokies’ run and now awaiting the Championship selection show.
Tigers Claw Past Hokies: Virginia Tech Falls in ACC Semifinals Despite McMillan’s Historic Homer
CHARLOTTE — The Virginia Tech Hokies’ softball team, seeded third, experienced a tough loss against the second-seeded Clemson Tigers in the ACC Semifinals. The final score was 10-9, marking a disappointing end to their tournament run at the Harrington Athletics Village on Friday afternoon.
mcmillan Makes history
Despite the team’s loss, a significant milestone was achieved by Cori McMillan. She blasted her 30th home run of the season, etching her name in ACC history as the frist player to reach this remarkable feat in a single season. This accomplishment also places her among an elite group of only 17 players in division I softball to achieve such a high home run count in a single season.
Game Recap: A Tale of Two Halves
The Hokies initially capitalized on three early errors by Clemson, seizing a 3-1 lead. The momentum continued to build when Cori McMillan stepped up to the plate with a runner on second. Her historic 30th home run extended Virginia Tech’s lead to a agreeable 5-1.
In the top of the sixth inning, with the bases loaded, Kylie Aldridge delivered a crucial three-RBI double to left center, further widening the gap to 8-2. Lyla Blackwell then singled up the middle, driving in Aldridge and pushing the Hokies’ lead to a seemingly insurmountable 9-2.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the bottom of the sixth. Clemson rallied, exploiting five walks issued by the Hokies’ pitching staff to score eight runs and snatch a 10-9 lead. Virginia Tech was unable to respond in the top of the seventh,sealing their fate.
Key Game Statistics
- cori McMillan became the first player in ACC history to hit 30 home runs in a single season.
- McMillan is now one of 17 players in NCAA history to hit 30 home runs in a season.
- Virginia Tech has now fallen in the ACC Semifinals for the fourth time in the past five years.
- The Hokies allowed a season-high 13 walks.
- Virginia Tech also recorded a season-high four errors.
- The Hokies outhit Clemson 11-7.
- Kylie Aldridge led the Hokies with three RBIs.
- Aldridge, Lyla Blackwell, emily LeGette, and Cori McMillan all had at least one RBI.
- Jordan Lynch recorded a team-high three hits.
- Emma Lemley recorded her seventh loss of the season.
Coaches’ Corner
While no direct quotes were available from the coaches, the impact of the game’s turning points is evident. The five walks issued in the sixth inning proved costly, allowing Clemson to capitalize and ultimately secure the victory.
Looking Ahead
No. 13/14 Virginia Tech (41-11, 18-6 ACC) now awaits selection to the NCAA Division I Softball Championship. The selection show airs at 7 p.m.on Sunday, May 11 on ESPN2.
