CONWAY, S.C.— The Maryland softball team fell to Virginia Tech 7-6, today in the first game of the Kickin' Chicken Classic.
Virginia Tech mounted an early lead putting three runs across in the top of the first. The Terps (0-1, 0-0 B1G) answered with a run off a Corey Schwartz RBI single. The Hokies then added another two in the second, one in the fourth and one in the fifth to extend the lead to 7-1.
Down 7-1 in the middle of the fifth, the Terps rallied with two runs in the bottom of the fifth and three runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull within one heading to the final frame. The team was able to load the bases with one out in the top of the seventh, but couldn't capitalize.
Kaitlyn Schmeiser started the game for the Terps going three innings. Hannah Dewey pitched a strong final four frames giving up only two hits, one run and striking out three. Juli Strange had a day from the plate going 2-for-4 with two runs, two hits and two RBIs. Kylie Datil picked up where she left off with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth. Mandy Gardner added an RBI double to help the Terps climb back in to the game.
The Terps return to the mound tomorrow for a double header against Lafayette at 10 a.m. and a rematch with Virginia Tech at 12:30 p.m.
-Maryland-
