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2021 NCAA Softball Tournament Tempe Regional preview, players to watch, predictions and more

By Ethan Lee

Baseball plate stock photo, softball plate stock photo, baseball base, softball baseNorth Florida Christian Softball Regional Final Vs University Christian 051419 Ts 2377
Baseball plate stock photo, softball plate stock photo, baseball base, softball baseNorth Florida Christian Softball Regional Final Vs University Christian 051419 Ts 2377 /
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ATLANTA – SEPTEMBER 05: A cheerleader runs a flag for the Virginia Tech Hokies across the field against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA – SEPTEMBER 05: A cheerleader runs a flag for the Virginia Tech Hokies across the field against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Virginia Tech’s record in games away from home makes it a real threat in the 2021 Tempe Regional.

While the hosting Arizona State Sun Devils happen to be really, really good at home, the Virginia Tech Hokies have been a very dangerous team when they’re playing somewhere other than their home turf. In road games, Virginia Tech is 19-5 so far this season. In neutral sites, the Hokies are 3-2 this year. That experience in playing and thriving on the road is a very important asset for this team.

Season overview

It’s hard to tell which team holds more of an advantage with this regional being hosted by Arizona State: the Sun Devils, who have a 21-7 home record, or the Hokies, who have a 22-7 record in road and neutral site games. Virginia Tech didn’t get many opportunities to compete at home this year, but that didn’t derail the Hokies’ hopes of having a good season. With a 33-13 overall record and a 23-11 ACC record, this team is certainly a solid one.

Best wins

The Duke Blue Devils are the No. 13 overall seed for the 2021 NCAA Softball Tournament, but they were only able to get one win out of a four-game series with the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Hokies handled the Blue Devils and claimed three crucial road wins in April before coming up short of a sweep.

  • April 2 at Duke – 4-1
  • April 3 at Duke – 7-3
  • April 3 at Duke – 4-2 in eight innings

Worst losses

Unfortunately for Virginia Tech, the Hokies weren’t as good at home as they were on the road this season. As such, they suffered a four-game sweep to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in late April in Blacksburg, Virginia.

  • April 23 vs. Notre Dame – 1-2
  • April 23 vs. Notre Dame – 5-6
  • April 24 vs. Notre Dame – 3-4 in nine innings
  • April 25 vs. Notre Dame – 1-3

Players to watch

  • Keely Rochard – Rochard is a dominant pitcher who has been unstoppable. She boasts a 1.12 ERA and has 207 innings pitched on her resume this season. Along with that, Rochard has 299 strikeouts.
  • Kelsey Brown – When Brown gets on base, there’s a great chance that she’ll take off and steal another. Brown has a .400 batting average and is a perfect 30 for 30 with stealing bases this season.
  • Kelsey Bennett – Bennett has been productive for Virginia Tech, racking up 11 home runs and batting with an average of .273.

Final thoughts

If Rochard and the two Kelseys can play at a high level throughout the entire Tempe Regional, they’ll give their team a very real chance of thriving away from home, yet again. Beyond those three, this roster is very solid and has the makings of a group that could make it to a Super Regional.