Bridgeport, W.Va. - The West Liberty University softball team used a strong offensive performance late in the game to pull away for an 8-1 victory over Lincoln (Pa.) on Saturday afternoon on day two of the Regional Roundup at The Bridge Sports Complex.
The Hilltoppers (4-4) struck first in the second inning when Kayla Mancuso doubled to left field, bringing home Mallory Rosnick to take a 1-0 lead. Lincoln (4-6) responded in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly by Jordin Cathey that scored Ashley Stringer, tying the game at 1-1.
West Liberty took control in the fifth inning. Emily Allen roped a triple down the left-field line to score Jillian Morr, reclaiming the lead at 2-1. Isabella McKee followed with an RBI double to right field, pushing the advantage to 3-1.
The Hilltoppers broke the game open in the seventh inning with a five-run explosion. Sara Simon tripled to right field to drive in Alayna Cook, and in a heads-up baserunning play, Simon stole home while Morr advanced to third on the throw. Allen reached on an error, allowing Morr to score an unearned run. Rosnick capped the inning with a towering two-run homer to left field, sealing the 8-1 victory.
Leah Alford (2-1) picked up the win, pitching four solid innings while allowing just one run on two hits and striking out two. Kadence Pettit earned the save with three shutout innings, surrendering only one hit and striking out three.
West Liberty racked up 11 hits in the game, led by Rosnick's two hits, including the home run and two RBIs. Allen also had a strong performance, going 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI, and two runs scored.
Game Highlights:
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WP: Leah Alford (2-1) – 4.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 K
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SV: Kadence Pettit (2) – 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 K
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Top Performers:
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Mallory Rosnick: 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
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Emily Allen: 2-for-4, 3B, RBI, 2 R
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Sara Simon: 1-for-1, 3B, RBI, SB
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Jillian Morr: 1-for-3, 2 R, SB
