Tweet

TAMPA, Fla. - Despite doubles by Vanessa Gonzalez and Breanna Davenport late in the game, the Virginia Tech softball team could not overcome No. 1 Florida on Sunday afternoon. The Hokies dip to 1-3 while the Gators improve to 3-0 with the 8-0 decision.

The Hokies' perfect fielding and a one-run outing by Mikaela Aiken held the Gators to their fewest hits since facing Michigan in the Women’s College World Series in May 2015.

The Hokies showed their fight late in in the fifth inning with a leadoff single by Katey Smith and Gonzalez’ double to put Tech in scoring position. Davenport did the same in the sixth inning but could not score off of Florida’s All-American pitcher, Aleshia Ocasio.

The Gators led from the get-go with two runs off a single by Janell Wheaton. Florida’s Amanda Lorenz added a 3-RBI double extended the margin to seven.

However, Tech’s defense put three scoreless innings on the board for Florida before the Gators closed out the win in the sixth inning.

Chlesea Whitcomb took the loss for Tech to even up her record at 1-1.

The Hokies will return to Florida next weekend for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge at Florida State in Tallahassee. Tech will face both Michigan and Minnesota twice during the three-day trip.

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