March 10, 2013

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.--Virginia softball senior Melanie Mitchell tossed a complete game and became UVa’s all-time strikeout leader as the Cavaliers defeated Georgia Tech, 4-2, Sunday afternoon (March 10) at The Park in Charlottesville. With the win, Virginia improved to 9-10 (1-2 ACC) on the season, while the Yellow Jackets fell to 13-12 (2-1 ACC).

With three strikeouts Sunday, Mitchell (White Plains, Md.) now has 934 career strikeouts, two more than Michelle Collins (932). It was also her 100th career complete game. The win ties Mitchell (7-6) with Kristyn Abel for third-most all-time in school history with 70.

"It's been a long-standing record and Michelle Collins was such a great pitcher," Mitchell said. "I knew if I worked hard and kept getting my work done, someday I'd be close to her, so I'm grateful to have surpassed her. It was good to get back on track today."

After Georgia Tech struck for two runs in the top of the first, the Cavaliers responded with a sophomore Megan Harris (Knoxville, Tenn.) sacrifice fly that scored senior Taylor Williams (Woodbridge, Va.).

In the bottom of the fourth, juniors Marcy Bowdren (Fairfax Station, Va.) and Karli Johnson (Lovettsville, Va.) each hit solo home runs to give Virginia a 3-2 lead.

UVa added an insurance run in the sixth inning, as senior Alex Skinkis singled with the bases loaded to score classmate Lauren Didlake (La Palma, Calif.).

Ashley Clifton (2-3) allowed four runs in 5.1 innings of work, but took the loss for Georgia Tech.

The Cavaliers return to action with two mid-week doubleheaders at The Park in Charlottesville. UVa will face James Madison on Wednesday (March 13) at 4 p.m. and Longwood on Thursday (March 14) at 4 p.m.