Virginia Tech softball: Hokies pitch shutout in opener of Baton Rouge Regional

May 17, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Virginia Tech batter Kylie Aldridge is congratulated after hitting a home run at Rhoads Stadium. Alabama defeated Virginia Tech 4-3 to advance to the final. | Gary Cosby Jr.

/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Virginia Tech Hokies opened the NCAA Tournament on Friday with a point to prove. Despite going undefeated against the SEC in 2026 (6-0) and spending most of the second half of the year inside the top 15, the Hokies weren’t chosen as a host team for the opening regionals. Message received.

The Hokies opened up against South Alabama in the Baton Rouge Regional on Friday and shut out the Jaguars 6-0. It was Virginia Tech’s 10th shutout of the 2026 season. Pitchers Bree Carrico and Avery Layton combined on the shutout.

After things were scoreless through the first two innings, business picked up in the bottom of the third inning when Gaby Mizelle drew a walk, followed by a single from Annika Rohs and Jordan Lynch reaching base via error, to load the bases. Just in time for Kylie Aldridge to empty the bases with a grand slam to make it 4-0. B3 | Scoreboard didn't see that coming 🤯🤯 Kylie Aldridge BLAST this ball 75mph off the bat for a GRAND SLAM and the Hokies lead!!!