Pittsburgh,Pa. – West Liberty secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Point Park in Game One of their Friday doubleheader, thanks to a clutch fifth-inning rally and a stellar pitching performance from Madison Angus.
Point Park took an early lead in the third inning when Emily Henry delivered an RBI single to center field for a 1-0 advantage. However, that would be the only run the Pioneers could muster against Angus, who kept the opposing lineup in check all afternoon.
West Liberty responded in the bottom of the fifth with the game's decisive moment. Brooke Perri came through with a two-run single to center, scoring Alayna Cook and Mallory Rosnick to put the Hilltoppers ahead 2-1.
Angus (1-4) was dominant in the circle, going the distance with a complete-game effort. She allowed just one run on six hits while striking out one and walking two over seven innings.
Game 2
West Liberty capped off a strong day with a 5-2 victory over Point Park in Game Two of Friday's doubleheader, securing the sweep behind a balanced offensive attack and a dominant outing from Kadence Pettit.
The Hilltoppers struck first in the third inning when Mallory Rosnick delivered an RBI single, scoring Jaden Conrad. However, Point Park responded quickly in the bottom half of the frame to take a 2-1 lead.
West Liberty (7-10,2-0) took control in the fifth inning with a three-run surge. Rosnick tied the game with another RBI single, bringing home Alayna Cook. Moments later, Isabella McKee legged out an infield single to drive in Conrad, giving the Hilltoppers a 3-2 edge. Sydney Johnson capped off the rally with a base hit to center field, plating Kassydi Harris for a 4-2 advantage.
Johnson provided an insurance run in the seventh with a sacrifice fly, scoring McKee to extend the lead to 5-2.
Pettit (4-2) was outstanding in the circle, tossing a complete-game effort while allowing just two runs on six hits. She struck out one and issued only two walks, keeping the Pioneers' offense in check.
West Liberty's offense racked up 11 hits, with McKee (3-for-4, RBI), Rosnick (2-for-4, 2 RBIs), and Conrad (2-for-4, 2 runs) leading the charge.
Up next the Hilltoppers hit the road again Saturday as they visit Salem for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m
