Inside HokieSports 2/6: Shine Bright On The Diamond

21st-Ranked Hokes Take Down #14 South Carolina On Opening Night

February 06, 2026

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Good Morning, Tech Fam. The Hokies truly had a blast on Opening Night!

What else are we covering in today’s edition, Hokies?

🥎 Shine Bright On The Diamond
⚽️ Signed, Sealed, Delivered
🎙️ Behind The Mics
🦃 And much, much more!

🔼 Shine Bright On The Diamond. Down to their final six outs on Opening Night, the 21st-ranked Virginia Tech softball team put on the rally caps and scored seven unanswered runs en route to an 8-4 win over #14 South Carolina on Thursday night.

With her team down 4-1, Kylie Aldridge got things started with a leadoff blast in the top of the sixth and the Hokies followed with four straight base runners, a sac fly and the knockout punch, a two-run triple from Emma Mazzarone to grab a 6-4 lead.

Two more runs in the inning would cap off a seven-spot, which was plenty for Bree Carrico, who allowed just one hit and struck out three in two scoreless innings of work to secure season-opening win.

Virginia Tech Football’s 2026 Spring Game presented by Eagle Construction
is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, with an afternoon kickoff time to be determined.

The game will be free admission and open to the public.

🔼 In Case You Missed It. Busy week at work? Miss yesterday’s press conference?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered as Coach Franklin and three coordinators — Brent Pry, Ty Howle and Doug Shearer — spoke with the media about the vision and direction for the program.

🔼 Signed, Sealed, Delivered. One of our own is headed to the Pacific Northwest.

This week, Virginia Tech’s Sam Joseph signed a pro contract with the Portland Timbers2 Club.

Joseph, who went undrafted in the MLS SuperDraft 2026, earned his first MLS NEXT Pro contract after being invited by the Timbers as a trialist for their 2026 preseason.

🤔 HOKIE TRIVIA

The Hokies got the 2026 season started in a BIG way with an upset victory over #14 South Carolina.

How many victories over top-25 opponents did Virginia Tech have last year?

Got a guess?

Scroll to the bottom and find out!

📆 THE DAYS AHEAD

Friday, February 6th
🥎 #21 Softball vs. Binghamton @ 12:30pm (Columbia, S.C.) l Live Stats
🎾 Women’s Tennis at IU Indy @ 1pm
🥍 Women’s Lacrosse at Mercer @ 3pm l Live Stats
👟 Track & Field at Doc Hale Invitational @ 10:30am l Live Results
🥎 #21 Softball vs. Winthrop @ 5:30pm (Columbia, S.C.) l Live Stats
🤼 #7 Wrestling at Virginia @ 7:30pm l ACC Network Extra 
(Smithfield Commonwealth Clash)
🏊 Swimming at Virginia Tech Invitational

Saturday, February 7th
👟 Track & Field at Doc Hale Invitational @ 10:30am l Live Results
🥎 #21 Softball vs. Binghamton @ 12:30pm (Columbia, S.C.) l Live Stats
🏀 Men’s Basketball at NC State @ 12pm l The CW l Live Stats
🥎 #21 Softball at #14 South Carolina @ 5:30pm l Watch l Live Stats
🏊 Swimming at Virginia Tech Invitational

Sunday, February 8th
🏀 Women’s Basketball vs. NC State @ 12pm l Tickets l ACC Network l Live Stats
🎾 Women’s Tennis at Indiana @ 12pm l Live Stats
🎾 Men’s Tennis vs. Davidson @ 12:30pm l Live Stats
⛳️ Men’s Golf at Palmas del Mar Collegiate (Humacao, Puerto Rico) l Live Scoring
🏊 Swimming at Virginia Tech Invitational

Monday, February 9th
🎙️ The Megan Duffy Show at University Club @ 6pm l Listen
⛳️ Men’s Golf at Palmas del Mar Collegiate (Humacao, Puerto Rico) l Live Scoring

Tuesday, February 10th
⛳️ Men’s Golf at Palmas del Mar Collegiate (Humacao, Puerto Rico) l Live Scoring

🤝 SPREAD THE WORD

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🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: Nine

🦃 Have a great one!