JMU Splits with Virginia Tech in Non-Conference Match-Up

Wednesday, April 6

Blacksburg, Va.

5 p.m.

James Madison University

30-3

Virginia Tech

20-16

James Madison

Virginia Tech

JMU Splits with Virginia Tech in Non-Conference Match-Up

4/6/2016 9:22:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

BLACKSBURG, Va. – No. 7 James Madison softball split a doubleheader with Virginia Tech on Wednesday, falling 2-1 in game one before taking a 10-1 decision in six innings in the nightcap at Tech Softball Park. The Dukes improved to 31-3 (6-0 CAA) while the Hokies moved to 20-17 (9-3 ACC).

Senior outfielder Hannah Hayes went 3-for-3 at the plate while junior infielder Niki Prince led the way with four RBIs.

In game one, the Hokies strung together three hits in the second inning to plate their pair of runs. Virginia Tech used an infield hit and a wild pitch to put runners on the corners, and a single to shallow right field by Breanna Davenport plated both runners.

James Madison cut into the Hokies' lead in the top of the third with an RBI single from junior outfielder Taylor Newton, scoring Good who reached on a fielder's choice, but was unable to plate another runner. Trailing in the top of the seventh, sophomore infielder Morgan Tolle kept the Dukes alive with a two out single to right field, but VT's Maggie Tyler held them off, forcing a ground out to end the contest.

In game two, Prince cranked a three-run homer over the center field wall in the top of the second. Ford added another run in the third courtesy of a single to left field before Prince hit a sacrifice fly to center, making it a 5-0 game.

The Hokies scored their only run of the game in the fourth off an error in left field. James Madison closed the door with four runs in the sixth innings off three hits, including a two-run homer from Ford.

Senior Jailyn Ford (12-1) earned the win in game two with a full six innings of work. Ford held the Hokies to four hits while striking out six and walking two.

UP NEXT
JMU heads to South Carolina to take on Charleston April 9-10in a three game Colonial Athletic Association series. The Dukes begin with a doubleheader Saturday at 2 p.m. followed by a single game on Sunday at 12: 30 p.m.

QUOTING HEAD COACH MICKEY DEAN
"I thought we rebounded and responded well in the second game tonight. Overall, we hit and pitched well enough to win both games but what it came down to was that we didn't execute with runners in scoring position in the first game. There are still some things we need to work on but we will continue to grow and get better."

IN-STATE BATTLES
The Dukes are now 3-1 against in-state foes this season with a 2-0 record against Virginia and a 1-1 record against Virginia Tech. James Madison outscored the Cavaliers and Hokies 14-3 in the four games.

100 HIT CLUB
With two hits in the 10-1 win over the Hokies, sophomore Megan Good made her way into JMU'S 100 Hit Club. She is among 28 other Dukes including current teammates Niki Prince, Taylor Newton, Hannah Hayes, Jailyn Ford and Erica Field.