OKLAHOMA CITY — Pitching only the seventh perfect game in school history and first-ever against a ranked opponent, Virginia Tech’s Keely Rochard (Williamsburg, Va.) went the distance to earn Week 10 USA Softball Collegiate National Player of the Week, USA Softball announced today. Rochard’s performance marked the third time this season of not allowing a hit in a game, joining her previous two no-hitters back in February.

“It feels really good to get the award, but I’m glad that we are winning and are still on a good path,” said Rochard. “We’re still going through the regular season and haven’t wavered."

Suffering a narrow 3-1 loss in the opening contest of their doubleheader against then-No. 17 James Madison, Rochard started game two in the circle and pitched a perfect game to help Tech earn the 12-0 (five innings) shutout win. Later in the week, Rochard allowed a solo hit to the leadoff batter in the first inning but was lights out from there, retiring 21 batters in a row to finish with a one-hitter and clinch the series win over in-state rival Virginia.

For the week, Rochard issued 12 strikeouts while allowing just one hit and zero walks in 12 innings pitched for a 0.00 ERA. Rochard, who retired 36 of 37 batters faced this week, improved to 16-3 on the year with the pair of wins.

“What a memorable week for Keely,” said Head Coach Pete D’Amour. “She’s the type of player that doesn’t get too high or too low, she just gives us what she’s got and last week she was in the zone. I’m proud of Keely and her teammates. This is a tremendous honor."

This marks the first USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week for Rochard and first Player of the Week accolade for a Virginia Tech athlete this season.

2019 USA Softball National Collegiate Players of the Week
Week 1 (Feb. 7-10): Kassidy Wilbur – Stephen F. Austin – Freshman – Pitcher – Bridge City, Texas

Week 2 (Feb. 11-17): Zoe Casas – Florida State – Senior – Outfield – Rialto, Calif.

Co-Week 3 (Feb. 18-24): Danielle Gibson — Arkansas — Sophomore — Infield — Murrieta, Calif.

Co-Week 3 (Feb. 18-24): Andrea Scali — Kent State — RS Freshman — Pitcher — Parma, Ohio

Week 4 (Feb. 25-March 3): Meghan Beaubien — Michigan — Sophomore  — Pitcher — Newport, Mich

Week 5 (March 4-10): Jenna Cone — George Washington — Junior — Catcher — Trabuco Canyon, Calif.

Week 6 (March 11-17): Rachel Garcia — UCLA — RS Junior — Pitcher — Palmdale, Calif.

Week 7 (March 18-24): Maddi Hackbarth – Arizona State – Junior — Catcher — Oakdale, Calif.

Week 8 (March 25-31): Kristina Foreman – Duke – Freshman – Infield — Tampa, Fla.

Week 9 (April 1-7): Jazlyn Crowder – Louisiana Tech – Senior – Outfield – Kennedale, Texas

Week 10 (April 8-14): Keely Rochard — Virginia Tech — Sophomore — Pitcher — Williamsburg, Va.