BBC NEWS: Softball Advances to Sunday’s Regional Final with 4-3 Win over Virginia Tech Saturday

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BB Softball Advances to Sunday’s Regional Final with 4-3 Win over Virginia Tech Saturday

May 17, 2025 — The BB University softball team kept their postseason dreams alive on Saturday afternoon with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Virginia Tech in the NCAA Regional Semifinal. The hard-fought win propels the Bears into Sunday’s regional final, one win away from advancing to the Super Regionals.

In a game marked by high-stakes tension and clutch performances, BB’s pitching and timely hitting proved the difference. Junior pitcher Emily Sanders delivered a gutsy complete-game performance, scattering six hits and striking out seven while working around several threats from the Hokies.

“It was all about staying composed and trusting my defense,” said Sanders. “We knew Virginia Tech was going to come out aggressive, but we stuck to our game plan.”

BB jumped out to an early lead in the top of the second inning when sophomore catcher Riley Morgan launched a two-run homer over the left-field wall, giving the Bears a 2-0 advantage. The Hokies responded quickly in the bottom half of the inning with an RBI double by Brooke Davis to cut the lead in half.

The Bears extended their lead to 4-1 in the fourth inning with a pair of RBI singles from seniors Jada Collins and Megan Liu, capitalizing on back-to-back walks issued by Hokies starter Kelsey Raines.

Virginia Tech wasn’t ready to fold. They mounted a comeback in the sixth inning when Emma Howard belted a solo home run to center field, and a two-out RBI single by Kayla Norton brought them within one run. But Sanders slammed the door with a crucial strikeout to end the inning and maintain the 4-3 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Hokies got the tying run on base with a leadoff walk, but a diving catch by center fielder Tori Bell on a deep line drive sealed the win and sent the BB dugout into celebration.

“We talk all the time about grit, and this team showed exactly that,” said BB head coach Leslie Grant. “Every player contributed, and we’re excited to have another chance tomorrow.”

The victory improves BB’s record to 41-12 on the season and sets up a rematch with top-seeded Oklahoma State in Sunday’s regional final. BB will need to defeat the Cowgirls twice to advance, while Oklahoma State needs just one win to clinch the regional.

“We’ve been the underdogs all season, and we embrace it,” said Morgan after the game. “We know what we’re capable of, and we’re ready to fight for it.”

The Bears’ strong performance was also backed by solid defense, including a crucial 6-4-3 double play in the fifth inning that killed a potential rally by the Hokies. Offensively, BB managed seven hits, with Morgan and Liu each tallying two.

Sunday’s regional final will begin at 2 p.m. ET. If BB wins the first game, a winner-take-all contest will follow shortly after. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ or follow along on social media using the hashtag #BearSoftball.

With momentum on their side and a shot at history within reach, the Bears are one step closer to their postseason goal.

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