inside.hokiesports.com 23 99 Bradley Drive Christiansburg NRV Mall 540-381-8100 www.holidayinn.com/cburgnorth Full Service Restaurant Bar & Grill Game Day Catering. Dine in or Room Service Welcome Back HOKIES! Both softball and baseball etched their names into the Hokie history books by hosting regionals and super regionals in four consecutive weekends from May to early June 2022. Lemley and Hackenberg were pivotal in each program’s regional success. Emma Lemley had the tall task of leading the charge versus Kentucky, and performed admirably in the circle. Lemley threw 10.2 innings and struck out eight batters across back-to-back matinee matches to help declaw the Wildcats. Two weeks later, Hackenberg got the starting nod vs. Wright State, tossing 4.0 IP in the eventual 15-9 win for the Hokies. Both freshmen were amazed by the support of Tech fans. “Our fans are awesome, they come to every game they can and are so loud and supportive,” Lemley said. “One of my favorite parts about Virginia Tech is our great and loyal fanbase.” “You can’t beat the culture here, everybody loves and supports each other. The fans will especially come out and support us no matter what.” Hackenberg said. The two pitchers can’t reflect on the successes of their inaugural seasons for long, though. Their unbroken focus is now on being strong leaders in 2023. “I’m certainly trying to help my teammates in any way to slow the game down for them,” Hackenberg said. “I told them it comes down to slowing yourself down, keeping your composure and trusting your stuff out on the mound.” “In my exit meeting after the season last spring, the coaches let me know I’ll have to step up leadership wise and help guide the new freshman to show them what we’re all about,” Lemley said. “Guiding them in bullpen sessions and in games. I’m trying to help wherever I can.”
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