Virginia Tech Softball Season Ends With Regional Final Loss To Alabama

Virginia Tech's softball season ended with a narrow 3-2 loss to No. 15 Alabama in the Tuscaloosa Regional final, marking the Hokies' third consecutive failure to advance past regionals. Alabama scored all their runs in the pivotal fifth inning, aided by a slip on wet grass that allowed two runs to score, while Virginia Tech's pitcher Emma Lemley delivered a strong performance with seven strikeouts in her final collegiate game. Despite a late two-run home run by Virginia Tech's Rachel Castine in the seventh inning, Alabama's reliever Jocelyn Briski sealed the victory, eliminating the Hokies who finished with a 43-13 record. The loss also marked the end of the collegiate careers for key players including Lemley, Cori McMillan, Castine, and Bre Peck. Meanwhile, Mississippi State's softball season concluded with a 9-6 defeat to Texas Tech in the Lubbock regional final, where pitcher Raelin Chaffin struggled against the Red Raiders' offense, led by standout pitcher NiJaree Canady. Both teams showcased competitive efforts but ultimately fell short in regional finals, closing out their seasons.