Thomas releases Hokies' 2017 schedule

Tech faces another tough schedule after finishing in the top 45 in the RPI in 2016

November 22, 2016

2017 Virginia Tech Softball Schedule (PDF)

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech head softball coach Scot Thomas has never been one to shy away from putting together a tough schedule. After finishing last season in the top 45 of the RPI rankings, the Hokies return many key pieces and will once again face a challenging slate in 2017.

The Hokies will face three NCAA Tournament teams in non-conference play and will take on four ACC squads that made regionals this past season. Eight of Tech’s non-conference opponents finished in the top 100 of the final RPI rankings.

"I'm excited about how the schedule lays out. It's a good combination of competition and RPI/strength of schedule,” Thomas said. “We have strong non-conference games with teams out of the Big Ten, SEC and top programs within our state. We’re looking forward to accepting the challenge."

NON-CONFERENCE

Tech will begin the season in Las Vegas at the Sportco Tournament hosted by UNLV before playing Iowa and Penn State twice in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge in Atlanta from Feb. 17-19. The Hokies will wrap up tournament play at the Pirate Invitational where they will face Seton Hall, host East Carolina and Hofstra, one of the top programs in the CAA alongside James Madison.

The Dukes, who hosted a Super Regional and nearly advanced to the Women’s College World Series in 2016, will welcome Tech for a doubleheader in Harrisonburg starting at 5 p.m. on March 29. Another key non-ACC matchup for the Hokies will be a single game against reigning Big South champions Longwood at Tech Softball Park on April 11 at 7 p.m.

ACC PLAY

Of the four ACC NCAA Regional teams that the Hokies will face this season, three of them will visit the friendly confines of Tech Softball Park. Florida State, who earned the league’s automatic bid to the postseason in last year, will kick off conference play at home with a three-game series starting on March 10 at 7 p.m.

North Carolina will visit Blacksburg from March 17-19 before Tech welcomes Louisville for a single game on April 14 and a doubleheader on April 15, the final home games of campaign.

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