May 16, 2008
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - -
Misty Hall's solo home run in the bottom of the tenth gave No. 16/17 Virginia Tech a 1-0 win over the University of Louisville in the first game of the NCAA Regional in Knoxville, Tenn.
"This was a great game today," said U of L head coach Sandy Pearsall. "We knew we were going to be facing a great pitcher in Angela Tincher, but we came to play. I thought Kristen Wadwell pitched a great game for us today and we played well defensively. We'll get back to work and prepare for tomorrow's game."
The game featured a pitcher's duel that very closely resembled the first game of the 2006 Knoxville Regional which went 12 innings before the Hokies prevailed 1-0.
Virginia Tech ace Angela Tincher (34-6) - who leads the nation in strikeouts per inning and fewest hits allowed - lived up to her billing, surrendering only one hit and striking out 19 for her 15th shutout of the season.
Sophomore catcher Melissa Roth broke up Tincher's no-hitter when she reached on a one-out infield single in the sixth. Tincher went on to retire the next nine batters before issuing a walk to senior Sarah Totten in the top of the ninth.
Like her counterpart, Cardinal sophomore pitcher Kristen Wadwell was strong in the circle, scattering seven hits and striking out five in nine innings before Hall delivered the first pitch of the 10th over the right field wall.
The Cardinals fall to 30-22 on the season and will face the loser of the Tennessee/Winthrop game Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Virginia Tech (45-15) will face the winner of that game Saturday at 12 p.m.
