It was a tough assignment for the Virginia Tech softball team to open the 2026 season. The 21st-ranked Hokies hit the road to take on 14th-ranked South Carolina. The Gamecocks were one game away from a trip to the College World Series last May, dropping a Super Regional at home against UCLA.
Virginia Tech lost some key players from the lineup, and the circle, and visiting South Carolina was about as tough an opener as Pete D'Amour's team could have had. With a new-look lineup and pitchers in the circle, the Hokies picked up a dream victory. Trailing 4-1 after five innings and surrendering three runs in the bottom of the fifth, Virginia Tech erupted for seven runs in the top of the sixth to post an impressive season-opening win.
Virginia Tech softball picks up Top 25 season opening win at South Carolina
The Hokies only had four hits in the sixth, but they made the most of them, as well as taking advantage of some aggressive base running that led to Gamecocks errors.
Kylie Aldridge opened the scoring at the top of the sixth with a solo home run to center field. A bases-loaded walk cut the deficit to 4-3, then a sac-fly from Lyla Blackwell tied the game. Emma Mazzarone then launched a two-run triple, and Aldridge closed out the scoring with an RBI double to center field for an 8-4 lead.
T6 | SPEECHLESS. 2 RBI TRIPLE FOR EMMA MAZZARONE. 💬
— Virginia Tech Softball (@HokiesSoftball) February 6, 2026
Hokies 6, Gamecocks 4 pic.twitter.com/ROKsBaV6GJ
This season, a lot of eyes are going to be on the circle and how the Hokies replace Emma Lemley. Mazzarone pitched the first four innings before freshman Addyson Fischer worked the fifth inning, allowing three runs. However, she picked up the win in the only inning she worked as Bree Carrico worked the final two innings, allowing one hit, walking three, and striking out three.
Virginia Tech will play two games on Friday against Binghamton and Withrop, before finishing the weekend on Saturday against Binghamton and South Carolina.