UVA Softball: #18 Virginia sweeps two from Michigan, Bucknell at Party at Palmer Invitational

Virginia ran its winning streak to 16 games with a pair of wins on Friday at the Party at Palmer Invitational, defeating Michigan, 6-2, in Game 1, and defeating Bucknell, 5-0, in Game 2.

The win over Bucknell was a combined no-hitter involving Taylor Smith (3-0), who picked up the win, working 4.0 innings with three walks and six strikeouts, and Julia Cuozzo, who closed out the final 3.0 innings with two walks and three strikeouts.

Bella Cabral hit her seventh home run of the season and fifth in three games with her solo shot in the sixth inning against Michigan.

Hannah Weismer hit a two-run home run in the fifth against Michigan, marking her third straight game with a home run.

Courtney Layne (6-0) picked up the win in relief in the Michigan game, working the final 4.0 innings and holding Michigan to two hits with a walk and two strikeouts in her time in the circle.

“Very proud of the intent and competitiveness we came out with today,” UVA coach Joanna Hardin said. “The pitching staff attacked both offenses, mixed speeds exceptionally well and kept the momentum in our dugout for all 14 innings. The offense is clicking well, and executing the game plan game to game, pitcher to pitcher.  I love the discipline to take our walks and capitalize on timely hits, specifically against Michigan today.”