Virginia Tech News: World Series interest, women’s basketball

In this edition of Virginia Tech News, a former Hokies baseball pitcher is headed to the World Series, Elizabeth Kitley receives another preseason honor and more.

Virginia Tech baseball fans will have a rooting interest in the World Series

Former Hokies baseball pitcher Joe Mantiply is four wins away with his Arizona Diamondbacks teammates from winning the World Series. The Dbacks completed a comeback from deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 to eliminate the Philadelphia Phillies in seven games in the National League Championship Series. What was the biggest surprise, it’s that Arizona was able to go into Philadelphia and win Games 6 and 7 to stun the defending National League champions.

In the deciding Game 7, Mantiply was summonsed from the bullpen in the bottom of the fifth inning by manager Torey Luvollo in relief of Brandon Pfaadt. In 0.2 innings, Mantiply allowed one hit on six pitches thrown. It wasn’t a big outing, but it was a key one after the Diamondbacks took a 3-2 in the top half of the inning.

It’s safe to say that not many people had a World Series of Texas and Arizona on their bingo cards, but here we are. Game 1 of the World Series is scheduled for Friday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Expect Mantiply to get more high-leverage situations on baseball’s biggest stage like he did in the first three series.

Elizabeth Kitley was named Preseason All-American

The preseason accolades continue to come in for Virginia Tech center Elizabeth Kitley. She was named an AP Preseason All-American ahead of the 2023-24 season. The graduate student returns to lead a talented team that begins the season ranked No. 8 in the country and has visions of returning to the Final Four.

Kitley’s teammate, Georgia Amoore, was named an AP Preseason All-American honorable mention.