BLACKSBURG, Va. – Saint Francis University softball dropped their first game of the NCAA Regionals 4-0 to No. 3 Virginia Tech.
 
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
» Rachel Marsden went six innings and allowed four runs (two earned) on eight hits with five walks and one strikeout.
» Mekenzie Saban was hit by a pitch and Jordan Pietrzykoski drew a walk in the seventh inning to produce Saint Francis' baserunners.
» Lauren Aubry threw out a runner at home plate in the second inning.
» Virginia Tech's Keely Rochard threw a no-hitter and struck out 17 batters.

FLASH QUOTES
"Virginia Tech is really tough. We knew that going into this game. We knew that Rochard was going to be tough. I thought Rachel pitched a phenomenal game. I'm just really proud of Rachel and the team defensively. I thought we played pretty well. We played a lot better than we have in the past going into the first game. I was proud of the way we showed up and how Rachel pitched. We have to do a better job hitting but other than that, we played a really good game." - Head coach Jessica O'Donnell on facing Virginia Tech and Marsden's performance.

"I was just sticking to my game plan in there and doing what I know I can do. Try not to overthrow it. It's kind of easy to get in that mindset when you have runners on base. And overall, I just trust in my stuff, my spin and my defense behind me, and I knew that we'd work out of it together." - Marsden on what was working for her and escaping jams.
 
TURNING POINTS OF THE GAME
» Virginia Tech started the bottom of the first with a hit before Marsden retired three straight batters. After two hits in the second for the Hokies, Aubry threw out Bre Peck at home to save a run and keep the game scoreless.
» After a scoreless third inning, Virginia Tech loaded the bases with one out. The Hokies produced a bases-loaded walk before Marsden got the final two outs and limited the damage.
» In the fifth inning, Virginia Tech added another run on a two-out single to left field and opened a 2-0 lead. The Hokies added two more runs in the sixth inning after a fielding error and opened a 4-0 lead.
» Mekenzie Saban earned Saint Francis' first baserunner of the game when she was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning, followed by a Jordan Pietrzykoski walk.
» With Saint Francis unable to push across any runs, Virginia Tech advanced to the winners' bracket of the Blacksburg Regional with a 4-0 win.

FLASH NUGGETS
» Marsden has allowed just four earned runs in 12 innings pitched against Virginia Tech and Clemson this season, Saint Francis' only two ranked opponents.
» The marks Saint Francis' fourth time allowing four or fewer runs in an NCAA Regional game in program history.

UP NEXT
Saint Francis will face the loser of Kentucky vs. Miami (Ohio) on Saturday, May 21 at 5:30 p.m.