HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The West Liberty University softball team dropped its season opening doubleheader Friday at Coker by scores of 3-2 and 10-0.

Game 1: WLU (2) - Coker (3)
Freshman Ashlyn Tapman got the opening game nod and pitched well across 5.2 innings allowing two runs while scattering six hits with two strikeouts and just one walk. The Hilltoppers held a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the sixth, but a pair of late inning runs spoiled the season opener.

The Cobras struck first with a run in the first inning. A pair of singles led off the bottom of the first, but Tapman settled in and got out of it leaving two runners on, surrendering just the one run.

West Liberty quickly responded to tie it up with a run in the top of the second inning. Kieran Johnson doubled to lead off the inning and came around to score after stealing third and crossing the plate off a Madelyn Weidner sac fly.

The Hilltoppers got right back on the scoreboard in the third inning to take the lead. Riley Conkle got her second straight hit to start the season with a one-out single, then scored on the final play of the inning just before the third out was made.

Both defenses and pitchers locked in for the middle innings as the sides went three up three down from the bottom of the third through the top of the sixth. 

After two quick flyouts to start the bottom of the sixth, Coker had three straight singles tying the game at two and forcing Tapman out of the game.

Jaden Conrad got a two out single and stole second getting into scoring position, but no further in the top of the seventh. Coker walked it off in the bottom half with a one-out double.

Conkle, Johnson, and Conrad all ended the game 2-for-3 at the plate.

Game 2: WLU (0) - Coker (10) F/5
The Cobras scored early and often taking the nightcap in five innings, 10-0. Five first inning runs and three in the second quickly put the game out of reach.

Anna Welsh, Jaden Conrad, and Madison Angus had the lone hits for the Black and Gold. All three hits came in separate innings with Angus' being a leadoff double in the third that was left stranded.

Three freshman pitchers saw action for WLU, Leah Alfrod got the start and was chased out after 1.2 innings, Angus finished the second inning facing two batters, then Brooke Perri tossed the last two frames.

Up Next
West Liberty will take on Coker in another twinbill tomorrow with game one starting at 11 am.

Follow West Liberty Softball online all season at HilltopperSports.com and on Twitter (@WLU_Softball & @WLathletics), Instagram (@wlu_softball & @wlu_athletics), and Facebook.