CHARLESTON, S.C. – Purdue (2-2) fell 5-0 in its rematch against Virginia Tech (5-0) in the Cougar Classic finale on Sunday.
A season-high seven steals helped the Hokies get it done, while Tech seniors Emma Strouth and Lauren Duff and sophomore Al Velazquez registered multi-hit performances.
Purdue recorded three hits, guided by freshman Rachel Becker with a team-best two hits.
Becker put up the first hit of the game with a single to center field, but it was Tech, who put up the first runs, capitalizing on a leadoff single and a double for a 2-0 lead.
Benefiting from a wild pitch, the Hokies extended their advantage with a pair of doubles in the second inning.
After both teams went scoreless in the third, Virginia Tech tacked on its fifth and final run on a triple from Strouth.
Fighting for a rally, the Boilermakers put the pressure on, loading the bases with two outs in the top of the sixth. However, a pop up to third stalled Purdue's momentum, keeping the Boilermakers off the board.
Dealing 10 strikeouts, Virginia Tech's Keely Rochard secured the win.
Purdue heads to East Carolina's Pirate Clash from Feb. 15-17 in Greenville, N.C. The Boilermakers are scheduled to take on St. Francis (PA) and Wagner in four games.
A season-high seven steals helped the Hokies get it done, while Tech seniors Emma Strouth and Lauren Duff and sophomore Al Velazquez registered multi-hit performances.
Purdue recorded three hits, guided by freshman Rachel Becker with a team-best two hits.
Becker put up the first hit of the game with a single to center field, but it was Tech, who put up the first runs, capitalizing on a leadoff single and a double for a 2-0 lead.
Benefiting from a wild pitch, the Hokies extended their advantage with a pair of doubles in the second inning.
After both teams went scoreless in the third, Virginia Tech tacked on its fifth and final run on a triple from Strouth.
Fighting for a rally, the Boilermakers put the pressure on, loading the bases with two outs in the top of the sixth. However, a pop up to third stalled Purdue's momentum, keeping the Boilermakers off the board.
Virginia Tech retired the Boilermakers in order in the top of the seventh to close the game.
In the circle, freshman Alex Echazarreta (1-1) started the game for the Boilermakers and went 1.2 innings after allowing four runs and three walks. Classmate Brenna Smith entered in the second and also went 1.2 frames, allowing one earned run on five hits, while senior Maddie Damon finished off the final 2.2 innings.Dealing 10 strikeouts, Virginia Tech's Keely Rochard secured the win.
Purdue heads to East Carolina's Pirate Clash from Feb. 15-17 in Greenville, N.C. The Boilermakers are scheduled to take on St. Francis (PA) and Wagner in four games.