Published: May 11, 2008 11:35 pm            

Hokies repeat as ACC softball champs

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Behind yet another complete game shutout from Atlantic Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year Angela Tincher, Virginia Tech became just the second team to repeat as ACC softball champion with a 2-0 defeat of fifth-seeded North Carolina State at Maryland’s Robert E. Taylor Stadium on Sunday.

Tincher, who allowed a combined two hits while striking out 27 batters in wins on Saturday and Sunday, was voted the tournament MVP.

Providing the offense for Tincher and the Hokies were designated player Jenna Rhodes and first baseman Beth Walker, who scored the only runs of the game in the top of the second inning.

On second and third, respectively, after a pair of singles and a stolen base, Rhodes and Walker were brought home on a misplayed grounder by shortstop Shanna Smith.

Tincher, who was named the ACC’s Pitcher of the Year for the third time in a row on Wednesday, needed no more help to earn her 33rd win of the season.

Giving up just two hits for the afternoon, the Eagle Rock, Va., senior was threatened only twice, allowing a double to lose the no-hitter in the fifth and another double in the seventh.

Each time, she was able work her way out of the jam, ringing up a pair of strikeouts in the fifth and then another punchout and a pair of pop outs to clinch the title in the seventh.

Sunday’s victory gives Virginia Tech (44-15) and head coach Scot Thomas back-to-back titles in just their fourth year in the ACC. Tincher was the winning pitcher last year as well.

The Hokies, ranked 17th in the latest national polls, are now 12-4 in league championship play since joining the ACC, and 7-0 over the last two seasons.

Tincher (33-6) allowed no runs on two hits with 14 strikeouts on the day. At the plate, the Hokies had nine hits, but stranded 10 runners on base. Rhodes, Erin Ota, Kelsey Hoffman and Walker all had two hits apiece. Misty Hall also had a hit.

Making the all-tournament team for the Hokies were Ota, Rhodes and MVP Tincher.

Selections to the 2008 NCAA Softball Championship tournament were expected to be released late Sunday night.

        

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