Emma Lemley and Ivy Rosenberry hurled their way into history Tuesday night, silencing Longwood in back-to-back no-hitters in a doubleheader in Farmville, Virginia. The No. 5 ranked Hokies triumphed over the Lancers 5-0 and 13-0 (five innings) in each of the pitchers' first collegiate no-hitters.
Lemley, a freshman from Forest, Virginia, started off the twin bill in the circle for the Hokies. The right-handed pitcher fanned 13 batters and walked only two Lancers in seven innings of work. Virginia Tech's Jayme Bailey's three-run triple solidified the lead to 5-0 in the top of the seventh, propelling Lemley to her first no-hitter in a Hokie uniform and her ninth win of the season.
"It was definitely a memorable experience," Lemley said, who eclipsed the century mark Tuesday with 103 total strikeouts this season. "The work I put in during practice is paying off, but this is just the beginning. The support I had last night and all season from my teammates, coaches and Hokie Nation has been amazing."
After a half-hour break, Winchester, Virginia native and sophomore Ivy Rosenberry took to the diamond for her first start of the season. Rosenberry's arsenal proved too difficult for Longwood hitters to square up on, striking out four batters across five innings of work. The Hokies' bats lit up in the second contest of the doubleheader, ending the game early in a 13-0 five-inning drubbing of Longwood.
"A no-hitter is something every pitcher strives for, however, it's God's timing and not mine," said Rosenberry, who only walked two in her no-hit effort. "Last night was so special being surrounded by teammates that were truly happy for my success. Overall, it's great to see all of the hard work and hours that no one sees pay off."
This is the first ever time the Hokies' no-hit both games of a doubleheader since the program's inception in 1995. Tech pitchers had not tossed no-hitters in consecutive games in over 20 years, dating all the way back to May 7 and May 11, 2000 in shutouts vs. St. Bonaventure and Dayton. Rosenberry and Lemley now join a sorority of 11 other pitchers in Hokies history that have thrown no-hitters.
"Throwing one no-hitter is hard enough," head coach Pete D'Amour said. "I've never been a part of two no-hitters on the same day against the same team. We have a pretty special group this year led by our pitchers and catchers. It's a great time to be a Hokie."
The doubleheader no-hitter sweep increased Virginia Tech's win streak to 12 games. The Hokies return to action Friday at 6 p.m. to start an ACC three-game set at Pittsburgh.
Make A Gift
Hokie Nation can make a direct impact on female student-athletes through a gift to the Virginia Tech Women's Sports Fund. This fund recognizes the accomplishments and impact of Hokies female athletes. By supporting this fund, you are empowering future females to reap the benefits of college athletics and push past their boundaries both in sports and in life. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports are the tools that help women become strong leaders in today's world.
Writing HERstory Campaign
Coinciding with Women's History Month in March and the 50th anniversary of Title IX, Virginia Tech Athletics launched a multi-platform brand campaign celebrating the incredible achievements of its female student-athletes, both past and present, while inspiring the next generation of women who aspire to achieve their dreams through athletics. In partnership with Truist, Tech will share stories of its past and current female student-athletes over the course of the calendar year. Ranging from podcast interviews to feature stories and more, the incredible moments and achievements by women over the years in Virginia Tech Athletics will be celebrated.
Pledge Per K
Support Emma Lemley's and Ivy Rosenberry's efforts by making a Pledge per K to Virginia Tech Softball! For as little as $0.10 per strikeout, you are helping these student-athletes succeed on and off the field. Learn more by clicking here.
