Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 13 No. 6 | June 2021

24 Inside Hokie Sports strikeout - leader ladder. Rochard’s knack for the K impresses Showalter, who states that collegiate softball is much more of a hitter’s game than when she played. “It shows how good she is. Having over 300 strikeouts this year is a big deal, especially with all the technology that’s come out from a hitter’s perspective,” Showalter said. “I certainly did not have those tools available when I was playing. It’s amazing how prepared you can be today as a hitter and how difficult that makes it for the pitchers.” “She’s one of the best that I’ve had,” D’Amour said. “You’re fortunate to have a pitcher like Keely. They want the ball, they’re good teammates and they embody what we’re trying to do here. “On top of that, when you give them the ball, there is a chance to win every time,” D’Amour continued. “Any time you have that, you’re lucky as a coach.” While she has not yet confirmed whether she will return for her extra year of eligibility next season, Rochard has undoubtably made her mark on Virginia Tech softball. What is most important to her is the future of the sport in Blacksburg. “That we leave this program better than when we joined,” Rochard answered when asked what she hopes to leave for Hokie softball. “We hadn’t been to a Super Regional since 2008 and I hope that that’s the new normal for this team. We’ve set the standard moving forward.” ROCHARD RISE ON THE Continued from page 23