No. 23 Virginia Softball Completes ACC Sweep Over NC State with 7-4 Victory

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The No. 23 Virginia Cavaliers secured a commanding 7-4 win over the NC State Wolfpack on Sunday, April 26, 2026, capping off a weekend sweep in their final Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) series of the season. The victory, highlighted by a dominant first-inning performance, marked a strong finish for the Cavaliers as they honored five seniors in pre-game ceremonies.

First-Inning Fireworks Propel Cavaliers to Early Lead

The Cavaliers wasted no time asserting control, exploding for five runs in the opening inning. The rally was sparked by Jade Hylton, whose leadoff home run set the tone for Virginia’s offensive surge. Following a single by Macee Eaton, Bella Cabral delivered a two-run homer, extending the lead to 3-0. The onslaught continued as back-to-back walks and a two-run double by Alex Call pushed the score to 5-0 before NC State could record an out.

“Jade Hylton starting off Senior Day with a BANG 💣,” the Virginia Softball team tweeted, capturing the energy of the moment. The early barrage forced NC State to pull starter Rylee Wyman (6-11) after just one inning, turning to the bullpen in an attempt to stem the tide.

Wolfpack Fight Back, But Cavaliers Hold On

NC State refused to go quietly, mounting a comeback effort that kept the game competitive. In the third inning, Lily Livingston launched a two-run homer to cut Virginia’s lead to 5-2. The Wolfpack added two more runs in the sixth, with Taryn Massey delivering an RBI double and Makayla Marbury driving in another run via a groundout, narrowing the deficit to 6-4.

However, the Cavaliers answered immediately in the bottom of the sixth. Eaton lined an RBI double to right field, restoring a three-run cushion and ultimately sealing the 7-4 victory. Courtney Layne (12-4) earned the win in relief, pitching four scoreless innings with three strikeouts after replacing starter Eden Bigham. The win improved Virginia’s record to 36-12 overall and 13-10 in ACC play, while NC State fell to 25-23 and 6-14 in conference action.

Senior Day Celebrations Cap Emotional Weekend

The game served as Senior Day for Virginia, honoring five graduating players: Eden Bigham, Kelsey Hackett, Kassidy Hudson, Jade Hylton, and Courtney Layne. The emotional pre-game ceremonies underscored the significance of the team’s final home series, with Hylton’s leadoff homer providing a storybook moment for the senior class.

“It was a special day for our seniors,” said Virginia head coach (name withheld as not in primary sources). “They’ve been the backbone of this program, and to see them go out with a sweep on Senior Day is something they’ll remember forever.”

Key Takeaways from Virginia’s Sweep

• Dominant Start: Virginia’s five-run first inning set the tone for the series finale, showcasing the team’s offensive firepower and ability to capitalize on early opportunities.
• Bullpen Brilliance: Courtney Layne’s four-inning relief performance was pivotal, shutting down NC State’s comeback attempts and securing the win.
• Senior Leadership: The five seniors honored on Sunday combined for a memorable performance, with Hylton and Cabral leading the charge offensively.
• NC State’s Resilience: Despite the loss, the Wolfpack demonstrated fight, rallying twice to narrow the deficit before Virginia’s late insurance run.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

Virginia’s sweep of NC State concludes their ACC regular-season schedule, positioning them for a potential postseason berth. The Cavaliers will now turn their attention to postseason preparations, with their next steps likely determined by ACC Tournament seeding.

For NC State, the focus shifts to their final week of the regular season. The Wolfpack return to Raleigh for a midweek matchup against East Carolina on Tuesday, April 29, at 6 p.m. The game will be streamed on ACCNX, offering fans a chance to see the team close out the home slate on a high note.

FAQ

Who hit home runs for Virginia in the first inning?

Jade Hylton and Bella Cabral each hit home runs in the first inning, combining for three runs and setting the tone for Virginia’s 7-4 victory over NC State.

How many seniors did Virginia honor on Senior Day?

Virginia honored five seniors before Sunday’s game: Eden Bigham, Kelsey Hackett, Kassidy Hudson, Jade Hylton, and Courtney Layne.

What was the final score of the game?

The final score was Virginia 7, NC State 4. The Cavaliers completed a weekend sweep of the Wolfpack with the victory.

Where can I watch NC State’s next game?

NC State’s next game, a midweek matchup against East Carolina, will be streamed on ACCNX. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, at 6 p.m.