This was a nice gut-check come back win. Some demons were creeping
Chatfield still has a chance to get to her HR levels from the last two years, but it was nice to see her get to double digits. And then Abromavage delivered.
With the positives that are going to come, I would say that sending Foster home on that wild pitch in front of the pitcher was "criminal". I don't know if it was a decision by Foster or the coach sent her/didnd't stop her. I get the thought that her speed might get her there and to put pressure on the defense. But I would think that Aldridge at the player was a higher percentage chance of bringing her home than trying to be a ball that was a bit in front of the pitcher.
The wild pitch that got away that allowed UNC to take the lead was going to be a "c'mon.... " and would have invited "here we go against" posts about wild pitches, control, mistakes. So, to come back in the bottom of the 5th and recover with the win was nice.
Interesting decision to start Carrico in the first game. Could have thrown UNC scouting at least for tonight off. They have scouted Carrico, but likely walked into today with the Mazzarone scouting report in their head. Carrico did well. She held Legette largely in check.
Speaking of Mazzarone, just such tough luck with the nubber out when she had a chance for a big productive at-bat. We are waiting for her to have a bigger impact at the plate, but she only gets random pinch hits now.
Early on, we were just under everytthing until Chatfield getting under with her first HR paid off. Those earlier at-bats were not bad. Just not enough distance or gap placement. Some at-bats were fast, like that second inning.
18 Replies
3mo
the two run scored in the 7 inning, all walks. She is running into the problem we had last year with our stud pitcher ( name escapes me) They throw hard but they end up in a lot of deep counts. They waste to many pitch throwing so far out of the zone trying to get hitters to case. The hitters foul off a ton of 2 strike pitches cause they see so many pitches
She needs to avoid the middle of the plate. but attack the hitter. She doesn't need to live on the black of the plate to be effective
(In response to this post by VAHokie89)
3mo
I think bringing mazzarone in relief was not good against liberty given she tends to walk batters and likely needs an inning or so to settle in. Carrico has a relievers mindset and will throw strikes.
I thought mazzarone coming in last night might result in some erratic pitching to start. I know there are few options. I would have considered grizzard for an inning or batter. This is when our supposed committee could have been used for mixing and matching. But too many would likely wall a batter. If we got out of it, fine. You dont expect wild pitches to score runs but we have to for this group.
(In response to this post by VermontDDS)
3mo
. . . wishful thinking. Pete is extremely fortunate Bree emerged as she did. There are six scholarship pitchers but only two that coaches trust. You may see Layton again (today?) but the hook will be quick with trouble.
(In response to this post by VAHokie89)
3mo
. . . was the throw to home in the 6th that went to the backstop. It was a simple one-hop stop but Zoe just whiffed it. Allowed runners to move up. She continues to struggle with the basic 'smother the ball' catcher skill.
(In response to this post by VAHokie89)
3mo
coaches traded her bat for basic ball blocking skills. But she doesn't even shift and drop. Just leans and tries to scoop. It's a shame really because it's giving up bases and runs.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
was named a top 15 catcher or something earlier in the year. I agree she has not looked great lately. I still think she is dealing with injury or something.
(In response to this post by King of Hokies)
3mo
. . . catcher but she was recruited for her bat.
(In response to this post by Hokie_Forester)
3mo
touted. I also think she made D1 softballs top whatever catchers list earlier this year. Again I agree she has not been particularly good as of late but feel she was better earlier in the year.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
defensively in her time at VT. And it starts with lack of fundamentals. Pete clearly values her bat over her defense.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
. . . every thing that's down and wide. Honestly, I can't remember her ever sliding and dropping to block as most catchers are coached to do beginning in middle school. I can only conclude that she's being coached to pick everything. I can say for certain she would not have been able to catch my daughter or any other high-velocity, heavy ball, down-movement pitcher. VT doesn't have one so she's spared that problem right now.
(In response to this post by HokieAllMyLife)
N
Nds904
3mo
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** Edited by Nds904 at 4/25/2026, 7:59:12 AM
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
** Edited by King of Hokies at 4/24/2026, 11:10:00 PM
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
my daughter was on 1st and I was coaching 1st I would tell her to use the 1st 2 pitches to get her timing down. On 3rd pitch go. Hook slide to the outside of the bag and watch the 2nd baseman's mitt for placement (high or low or swim) for slide and hook 2nd base.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
3mo
. . . exit velocity :)
(In response to this post by HokieAllMyLife)
3mo
chance to meet you one of these fine days.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)