In an electrifying display of power and skill, Taylor Roby delivered her school-record 18th home run of the season, propelling the University of Louisville softball team to a 5-3 victory over Virginia in the opening game of an Atlantic Coast Conference series on Friday evening at Palmer Park.
Roby’s momentous home run not only set a new single-season record for the Cardinals, but also extended her career total to an impressive 58, further solidifying her place in the program’s history books. Her feat was complemented by a strong performance from sophomore Korbe Otis, who went 3-for-4 with a grand slam, and freshman Alyssa Zabala (13-6), who earned the win with a complete game effort, allowing three runs on three hits.
The Cavaliers were the first to draw blood, as Katie Goldberg’s two-run homer in the bottom of the first gave them an early 2-0 lead. However, the Cardinals’ determination shone through in the fourth inning, with Roby’s homer over the centerfield fence igniting the comeback. Sarah Gordon followed up with a hit, and walks to Daisy Hess and Makayla Hurst loaded the bases for Otis, who then crushed a two-out grand slam over left centerfield, marking the first of her career.
Despite some early struggles, Zabala and the Cardinals’ defense demonstrated resilience, retiring 17 consecutive batters before Virginia’s Abby Weaver connected on a two-out home run in the seventh inning, making the score 5-3.
As the series continues, the Cardinals (30-14, 11-4 ACC) and Virginia (29-16, 8-11 ACC) are set to clash again on Saturday at 6 p.m. in the second game. Fans eagerly await the showdown, anticipating another thrilling match between these Atlantic Coast Conference rivals.