PHILIPPI, W.Va. – The West Liberty University softball team split a doubleheader at Alderson-Broaddus on Saturday, dropping a 9-1 decision in the opener before bouncing back with a 7-4 win.

In the second game, Coach Jim Bacca's Hilltoppers (9-25, 2-10) took charge early with five unearned runs in the top of the second and never looked back.

Felicia Hulslander swung the big stick for WLU, driving in four runs with a home run and a single. Maggie Starr added two singles and an RBI while Jenn Young had an RBI base knock. Angela Johnson went the distance in the circle for the win, striking out three with just one walk.

West Liberty couldn't solve A-B's Ali Neace in the first game, as the Battlers' (18-13, 8-4) ace scattered three singles while striking out eight and not issuing a walk. Young spoiled Neace's shutout bid with an RBI single in the top of the fourth.

The Hilltoppers travel to Fairmont on Sunday for a 1 p.m. doubleheader against the Falcons.

SOFTBALL

Alderson-Broaddus 9, West Liberty 1

West Liberty 000 100 – 1    3  2

Alderson-Broaddus 013 401 – 9  14  3

WLU: Emerich lp (0SO, 0W), Creamer (0SO, 1W) and Sumner. Young S, rbi

A-B: Neace wp (8SO, 0W) and Morton. Daniels 3S; Bodily HR, S, 2rbi; Kellogg D, S, rbi; Copenhaver 2S, 2rbi; Renoth 2S; Morton D, rbi; Francis S, rbi

West Liberty 7, Alderson-Broaddus 4

West Liberty 050 020 0 – 7  6  1

Alderson-Broaddus 001 030 0 – 4  6  4

WLU: Johnson wp (3SO, 1W) and Burke. Hulslander HR, S, 4rbi; Starr 2S, rbi; Young S, rbi

A-B: Bodily lp (6SO, 1W), Whitney (1SO, 0W) and Scritchfield, Morton (5). Morton 2D; Whitney HR, 3rbi