While there appear to be headwinds which impact VT adversely, the key to success is to control your own destiny and prevail by providing enough margin to absorb unfortunate circumstances - else you live your entire existence feeling like a victim. In VT's most disappointing outcomes, there are clearly moments, especially in hindsight, where suboptimal decisions were made.

Don't they happen pretty much to some level more times than not? Is your feeling that VT must make optimal decisions just about all the time? In hindsight this was a lot like the Miami and Syracuse football teams. The horrible pitching conditions in the top of the 6th got us runs. The deteriorating pitching conditions and to me the heaviest rain in the bottom of the 6th made it worse. Emma Lemley was the best we have and she could not get the grip on the ball necessary to throw a strike. Clemson knew it. Then the top of the 7th, is sure seemed the rain was less and they did a whole lot of work pouring the kitty litter out there. So IIWII, we got the worst pitching conditions at the worst time. To me it is that simple.

footing was the issue couldn’t Pete ask for the circle to be tended to in the middle of the inning? But, we are told it was grip. I bet if you asked players and parents, they would say that they’ve played games with weather this bad in travel ball. I don’t think the rain was worse when they were batting in the 6th than when we were batting in the 6th.

success. And sometimes fail to get more. But it was great effort during the entire season, that allowed Hokies to be in that position to possibly move on. Guess it’s whether you’re a glass half full, or glass half empty kinda person.

VT gave the game away more so than Clemson earned it. I know walks were a topic prior to yesterday’s game, which led me to explore these stats. I could only find a stat for strikeout to walk ratio. Of the 50 teams listed it was not surprising to see VT issued the most free passes. I totally understand the weather was a factor yesterday. Both teams dealt with it - VT walked 13, Clemson 3. That’s a big difference to explain. For those more knowledgeable about the game, why do you feel VT struggles so much with control? Confidence seems to be an issue at times. I know VT won’t win them all, but if the Hokies are going to lose let’s not give the game away. Make others earn it. This is the hard part about yesterday’s loss. Throw strikes and let teams hit the ball. VT has a strong defense. I’d rather lose to a team that earned the win hitting the ball well versus free passes. Go into the NCAAT with a chip on your shoulder (not literally Chip, okay maybe), play with confidence, and bring home the ‘ship. Good luck Hokies!