Virginia Woman Wins $150K After Playing 9-9-9-9-9 Three Times

TAPPAHANNOCK, Va. — A Virginia woman struck it big after betting on the same five-number combination three times — and watching all five digits hit.

Sarah Sorrell of Dunnsville purchased three Virginia Lottery Pick 5 tickets, each with the numbers 9-9-9-9-9, at the Fas Mart located at 1998 Tappahannock Blvd. in Tappahannock.

When the February 5 night drawing produced 9-9-9-9-9, Sorrell matched the numbers in exact order on all three plays, winning the $50,000 top prize three separate times for a total payout of $150,000.

She wagered exact order on each ticket, meaning the numbers had to match precisely as drawn. The odds of matching all five numbers in exact order are 1 in 100,000.

Pick 5 drawings are held daily at 1:59 p.m. and 11 p.m., with a $1 exact-order ticket carrying a $50,000 top prize.

Sorrell said she plans to use the winnings to pay off her mortgage.

The Virginia Lottery reported that in Fiscal Year 2025 it generated more than $901 million for K-12 education, accounting for roughly 10% of the state’s total K-12 school budget. Essex County, where Sorrell lives, received more than $1.3 million in Lottery funds for education last fiscal year.

Key Points

Sarah Sorrell won $150,000 playing Virginia Lottery Pick 5
Bought three tickets with 9-9-9-9-9
February 5 night drawing produced 9-9-9-9-9
Won $50,000 on each play in exact order
Odds of exact match: 1 in 100,000
Plans to pay off her mortgage
Lives in Essex County

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News