WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty's offense came alive in Game One of their doubleheader against West Virginia State, securing a dominant 10-2 victory in five innings on Saturday.
The Hilltoppers responded quickly after WVSU grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second inning, tying the game on a Sydney Johnson RBI single. Sara Simon then broke things open with a two-run blast to center field, giving WLU a 3-1 lead.
West Liberty extended its advantage in the third inning, capitalizing on timely hitting. Jillian Morr ripped a two-run double, plating Jaden Conrad and Kayla Mancuso. Emily Allen followed with an RBI single, and Simon continued her hot bat with a run-scoring infield single, stretching the lead to 7-1.
WLU put the game out of reach in the fifth. Isabella McKee delivered the knockout blow with a three-run homer to center, sealing the run-rule victory.
Madison Angus (2-5) earned the win, tossing five solid innings while allowing just two runs on seven hits with two strikeouts.
West Liberty finished with 10 hits, led by Simon (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBIs) and Johnson (1-for-1, 2 runs, RBI).
Game 2
Behind a dominant pitching performance from Kadence Pettit, West Liberty completed a sweep of West Virginia State with a 5-0 victory in Game Two of Saturday's doubleheader.
Pettit (6-2) was nearly untouchable, tossing a complete-game shutout while allowing just eight hits and striking out three. She kept the Yellow Jackets off balance all afternoon, working efficiently with strong defensive support behind her.
The Hilltoppers broke the scoreless tie in the second inning when Isabella McKee roped an RBI double to center, scoring Sydney Johnson. In the fourth, Jaden Conrad extended the lead to 2-0 with a run-scoring single that brought Kassydi Harris home.
West Liberty put the game out of reach in the fifth inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues by WVSU. McKee added another RBI with a single up the middle, plating Johnson. Moments later, Kayla Mancuso delivered a clutch two-run single, scoring McKee and Sara Simon to make it 5-0.
McKee led the offensive charge, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs, while Johnson scored twice. Jillian Morr also contributed with a pair of hits.
