Bridgeport, W.Va. – The West Liberty University softball team dropped a tough 2-0 decision to Salem University in the opening game of Saturday's doubleheader.
The game remained scoreless through the first three innings as West Liberty's Leah Alford who went the distance for the Hilltoppers, allowed just two hits while striking out five over six innings of work.
Salem finally broke through in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run single to left field. The Tigers took advantage of a West Liberty error earlier in the inning, leading to both runs being unearned.
West Liberty had opportunities to respond but was unable to push any runs across. The Hilltoppers scattered four hits, with Jillian Morr, Sydney Johnson, Paytyn Tucker, and Alayna Cook each recording a base hit. Tucker and Emily Allen added stolen bases in the effort.
Alford took the hard-luck loss, falling to 2-2 despite her strong outing.
Game 2
A five-run fourth inning powered West Liberty to a 6-1 victory over Salem University in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, helping the Hilltoppers earn a split on the day.
After three scoreless frames, West Liberty's offense broke through in the top of the fourth. Sydney Johnson got things started with an RBI single, plating Kassydi Harris. The Hilltoppers continued to pile on with an RBI single from Caroline Woody, a sacrifice fly from Kayla Mancuso, and RBI hits from Jaden Conrad and Jillian Morr to push the lead to 5-0.
The Hilltoppers added another run in the fifth when Mallory Rosnick brought home Alayna Cook on a sacrifice fly, extending the advantage to 6-0.
Salem attempted to rally in the sixth when they scored one run, but that was all the Tigers could manage against West Liberty's Ashlyn Tapman. The sophomore pitcher was dominant, going the distance while allowing just one run on five hits with eight strikeouts.
West Liberty's offense was led by Cook, who went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while Johnson, Morr, and Conrad each tallied an RBI. The Hilltoppers also displayed their aggressiveness on the bases, swiping four bags in the contest.
Tapman (1-3) earned her first win of the season with a strong performance.
