Virginia Tech Hokies Cruise to 9-0 Victory Over Liberty Flames

Freshman pitchers Bree Carrico and Avery Layton combine for a complete game shutout

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a college softball game, with players' forms dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes.The Hokies' offensive firepower and dominant pitching performance overwhelm the Liberty Flames in a lopsided victory.Lynchburg Today

The No. 10 Virginia Tech Hokies softball team picked up their third straight victory with a 9-0 complete game shutout over the Liberty Flames. Freshman pitchers Bree Carrico and Avery Layton combined to hold Liberty scoreless, with Carrico starting the game and Layton finishing it off. The Hokies offense provided plenty of support, scoring nine runs on three home runs.

Why it matters

This victory extends Virginia Tech's winning streak over Liberty to nine games and improves their overall record to 37-6 on the season. The strong pitching performance from the young duo of Carrico and Layton is an encouraging sign for the Hokies as they look to make a deep postseason run.

The details

Carrico started the game for the Hokies, firing four scoreless innings and giving up just three hits while striking out four. Layton then took over, pitching the final three innings and striking out one batter. On the offensive side, the Hokies scored nine runs, including three home runs from Jordan Lynch, Nora Abromavage, and Gaby Mizelle.

  • The game took place on April 16, 2026 in Lynchburg, Virginia.
  • This was the Hokies' third straight victory on the season.

The players

Bree Carrico

A redshirt freshman pitcher for the Virginia Tech Hokies who started the game and tossed four scoreless innings.

Avery Layton

A true freshman pitcher for the Virginia Tech Hokies who pitched the final three innings to complete the shutout.

Jordan Lynch

A sophomore outfielder for the Virginia Tech Hokies who hit a two-run home run in the first inning.

Nora Abromavage

A sophomore outfielder for the Virginia Tech Hokies who hit a solo home run in the fifth inning.

Gaby Mizelle

A true freshman infielder for the Virginia Tech Hokies who hit a grand slam home run in the seventh inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“8th shoutout of the season 🚫”

— Virginia Tech Softball, Twitter account

What’s next

The Hokies will return home to Blacksburg to host a three-game ACC series against Georgia Tech from April 17-19, which will be available on the ACC Network Extra.

The takeaway

This dominant victory over Liberty showcases the depth and talent of the Virginia Tech softball team, with their young pitching duo of Carrico and Layton leading the way. As the Hokies enter the home stretch of their season, this performance is an encouraging sign of their potential to make a deep postseason run.