The University of Virginia baseball team, under the guidance of head coach Brian O’Connor, is feeling confident as they head into the ACC tournament. O’Connor stated that the Cavaliers have likely already secured an at-large berth in the NCAA tournament, irrespective of their performance in the upcoming games.
The team concluded the regular season impressively, winning four consecutive ACC series and claiming victory in 20 of their last 26 contests. Graduate student catcher Jacob Ference highlighted the importance of team bonding outside of the field, noting that these strong relationships have significantly enhanced their performance during games.
Coach O’Connor recalled a pivotal team meeting held about a month prior, where they addressed their critical situation and the need to seize every opportunity to strengthen their postseason chances. The feedback was valuable, encouraging the young players not to panic and to stay true to their game.
Virginia’s pitching has shown marked improvement in recent weeks, with senior pitcher Jay Woolfolk recently delivering his best performance of the season by pitching eight innings and allowing only two runs against Virginia Tech. “Jay Woolfolk is a winner,” praised O’Connor, affirming his tendency to rise to the occasion during crucial moments.
Woolfolk is set to take the mound for Virginia’s ACC tournament opener, scheduled for a late 9 p.m. start on Wednesday. Despite the late hour, he remains upbeat, humorously stating that he can sleep all day and just focus on playing “Virginia baseball.”
Overall, the Cavaliers are entering the tournament with momentum, confidence, and a solid understanding of what it takes to succeed in high-pressure situations. Their camaraderie and persistence will be key assets as they aim for a successful postseason run.