The Short Story:  Taking on their first nationally-ranked team this season, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore softball team struggled against the high-powered offense of the No. 16 Virginia Tech Hokies on Wednesday evening in Blacksburg.  

THE GAME FACTS
Score: No. 16 Virginia Tech 25, UMES 0
Location: Blacksburg, Va.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Hokies jumped out early with four runs in the bottom of the first, including a solo home run by Michelle Chatfield.
• In the top of the second, starting pitcher Ameenah Ballenger hit a single to centerfield, but later batters were not able to get her home.
• VT added four more runs in their half of the inning before scoring six run in the bottom of the third, including another home run by Chatfield.
• The Hokies closed out the game in the bottom of the fourth with 11 more runs along with Chatfield's third home run.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Ballenger prevented the no-hitter with her single in the second inning. 
• In the circle Ballenger pitched the first three innings before Kylee Lehman came in the fourth and collected a strikeout.

UP NEXT 

• The Hawks are on the road this weekend with a MEAC series at Morgan State. In a schedule update due to projected weather on Saturday, the teams will now play a doubleheader on Friday, March 22 beginning at 1 p.m. and then a single game on Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m.