CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Charisse Mariconda hit a two-run home run in the top of the first inning and Kenzie Roark shut down the Cavalier offense in relief as the Virginia Tech softball team beat the University of Virginia 5-2 Sunday afternoon to take the series.

Mariconda gave Tech an early lead when she lifted a deep fly to right-center field to plate Erin Ota. In the second inning, catcher Amber Walker doubled down the line to plate a run and make it 3-0. The Cavs battled back with a run in the second and one in the fourth inning, but a costly error by the Cavaliers in the sixth inning allowed to Tech runs to score and put the game away.

Kristin Graham got the start in the circle for Tech, but it was Roark (W, 8-10) who did the heavy work. Graham went an inning, allowing a run on a hit with two walks and a strikeout. Roark pitched the final six innings, giving up one run on seven hits with four strikeouts and a walk.

Ota led the way with two hits and a run scored. Seven other Hokies – Jenna Rhodes, Mariconda, Jessica Everhart, Graham, Beth Walker and Amber Walker – each had one hit for Tech.

Tech (12-17, 3-3 ACC) will step out of conference on Tuesday for a single game at East Tennessee State at 5 o’clock before hitting the road next weekend for a three-game set at Florida State.