Bella Cabral went deep twice, for the second consecutive game, lifting #18 Virginia to a 9-6 win over George Mason on Thursday at Palmer Park.
The win extends UVA’s winning streak to 14 games.
Cabral’s first homer of the day was a three-run shot that was the response to a two-run Mason top of the first.
She added a leadoff homer, her sixth of the season, in the fifth.
Taylor Smith (2-0) picked up the win in relief, working 3.1 innings and allowing two runs on three hits with a walk and six strikeouts.
Eden Bigham notched her second save of the season, working the final 2.1 innings with six strikeouts in her seven batters faced.
“George Mason played well and came out with a ton of energy, were aggressive at the plate and capitalized on mistakes early. I’m proud of how we bounced back and responded with a score every time they scored in the top half,” UVA coach Joanna Hardin said.
“We’ve talked about answering back, and I’m proud of how we answered. We’re learning to play with a target on our back, and I expect to be in that same position all weekend.”
Virginia continues to play at home this weekend with the Party At Palmer Invitational. The Cavaliers will play two games on Friday, with Michigan at 12:30 p.m. and Bucknell at 3 p.m.