Tweet

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Virginia Tech (34-21)	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	7	0
North Carolina (36-13)	2	0	0	0	0	1	X	3	7	0
Tech Softball Park - 903 Box Score Photo Gallery

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Kylie McGoldrick had three hits and two RBIs in defeat
• The winning run was scored on an illegal pitch
• Maggie Tyler struck out six Tar Heels

BLACKSBURG - The Virginia Tech softball team saw its hopes of an ACC title come to an end in the most heartbreaking of ways as second-seeded North Carolina scored the game-winning run on an illegal pitch in the sixth inning to down the seventh-seeded Hokies 3-2 Thursday evening at Tech Softball Park.

The hard-hitting Tar Heels struck for two runs in the first inning on a two-run home run from Amber Parrish, but the Hokies kept plugging away and finally converted an opportunity in the fifth inning. Caroline Schoenewald singled and then Lauren Gaskill legged out an infield single to put two on. Kylie McGoldrick came through in the clutch, lacing a double to the gap to plate both runs and tie the game up.

The game remained tied at 2-2 until the sixth inning when the Tar Heels scored in controversial fashion. With runners on second and third base and two outs in the inning, Tech starter Maggie Tyler was called for an illegal pitch while trying to intentionally walk leadoff batter Taylor Wike. That proved to be the game winner for the Tar Heels (36-13), who advance to Friday’s semifinal.

McGoldrick had a spectacular day at the plate, picking up three hits and two RBIs in defeat. Gaskill, Jessie Mehr, Bailey Liddle and Schoenewald also had a hit.

Tyler (L, 15-12) settled down after the first inning, going the distance. She allowed three runs on seven hits with five walks and six strikeouts.

Tech (34-21) will now have to wait and see if its season continues when the NCAA announces its field of 64 for the postseason on Sunday at 10 p.m.

For updates on Virginia Tech softball, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_Softball