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	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Virginia Tech (34-22)	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	6	2
(23) Utah (35-17)	1	0	3	2	0	0	X	6	8	1
Knoxville, TN Box Score Photo Gallery

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Lauren Gaskill hit a solo home run
• Maggie Tyler struck out five Utes
• Katey Smith had two hits for the Hokies

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The Virginia Tech softball team suffered a 6-1 setback to 23rd-ranked Utah in the opening round of the 2015 NCAA Softball Championship Friday at Lee Stadium on the campus of the University of Tennessee.

The Utes jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning on a solo home run from first-team All-Pac 12 selection Kate Dickman. It marked the sixth straight game Tech’s opponent has scored in the first inning. In the third inning, the Utes capitalized on a Tech error to extend the inning before scoring three runs with two outs. Bridget Castro cranked a two-run home run to make it 3-0 and then Heather Bowen drove in a run with a single to make it 4-0 and force a pitching change.

Utah scored a pair of runs in the fourth inning to stretch its lead to 6-0 before senior Lauren Gaskill launched a solo home run in the sixth inning to get Tech on the board.

The Hokies had little success at the plate against freshman Katie Donovan, who was a first-team all-conference selection. Donovan allowed just one hit while striking out six in four innings of work. Tech had six hits in the game, led by two from Smith. Also picking up hits were Gaskill, Vanessa Gonzalez Breanna Davenport and Kylie McGoldrick.

Maggie Tyler (L, 15-13) went 2 2/3 innings, allowing four runs (one earned) on four hits with a walk and five strikeouts. Kelly Heinz went the rest of the way, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits with three walks and two strikeouts.

Tech (34-22) will now face the loser of Longwood/Tennessee in an elimination game on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The Hokies will have to win that one, and then again at 6 p.m. to keep their season alive.

For updates on Virginia Tech softball, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_Softball