No. 23 Duke softball is preparing for a key three-game series against No. 12 Virginia, starting Thursday at Smith Family Stadium. The Blue Devils, boasting a 25-11 record and 10-2 in ACC play, are coming off a thrilling series win against No. 19 Stanford. Their latest game featured eight home runs, a season-high performance, solidifying their strong offensive capabilities. Virginia, with a 31-3 overall record and a solid 9-2 in ACC, aims for its fifth consecutive series win after successful matchups against several conference rivals.

By the Numbers
  • Duke has scored 17 runs against Stanford due to a season-high eight home runs.
  • Virginia's Macee Eaton is hitting .491, while Bella Cabral is at .411 this season.
State of Play
  • Duke is completing a seven-game homestand, having recently defeated Campbell 7-1.
  • Virginia leads in multiple pitching metrics, including a 2.48 ERA and a 2.89 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
What's Next

Following the series against Virginia, Duke is set to travel for a non-conference matchup against Lynchburg, Virginia, next week.

Bottom Line

This series against Virginia is crucial for Duke as they look to solidify their standing in the ACC, especially after strong recent performances. The team's ability to maintain offensive momentum and counter Virginia's robust pitching will be pivotal.