WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty's late-inning push wasn't enough to overcome an early deficit as Fairmont State took the first game of Sunday's doubleheader, 5-2 at the Hilltopper Softball Complex.
The Falcons jumped ahead early, plating a run in the first inning. Fairmont State broke the game open in the third, scoring four runs, highlighted by a three-run double from Alexa Foresha and a solo home run by Delaney Haller to extend the lead to 5-0.
Haller, who improved to 13-0 on the season, allowed just two hits over 5.1 scoreless innings while striking out five. The Toppers scored two runs in the seventh on a two-run home run to center field by Sara Simon, cutting the deficit to 5-2.
Despite the late momentum, the Hilltoppers couldn't mount a comeback, as Rusnak closed out the game to secure the win for Fairmont State.
Sydney Johnson, Sara Simon, Ashlyn Tapman, Jaden Conrad, and Alayna Cook each recorded a hit for West Liberty. Madison Angus (4-7) took the loss in the circle, allowing five runs on eight hits over three innings. Leah Alford provided solid relief, tossing four scoreless innings with four strikeouts.
Game 2
Behind a stellar complete-game performance from Kadence Pettit, the West Liberty Hilltoppers (16-15, 10-2) secured a 2-1 victory over Fairmont State (22-11, 9-3) in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader snapping the Falcons six game win streak. .
West Liberty broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning when Caroline Woody crossed home plate on a double to left-center by Pettit. Sara Simon followed with an infield single that drove in Pettit, giving the Hilltoppers a 2-0 advantage.
Pettit (9-2) was dominant in the circle, allowing just four hits and no earned runs while striking out two in seven innings of work. Fairmont State's lone run came in the seventh inning when Alexa Foresha grounded out to shortstop, scoring Elizabeth Waszkiewic on an unearned run. However, Pettit remained composed and secured the final outs to seal the win.
Offensively, Pettit, Simon, Jillian Morr, and Ashlyn Tapman each recorded a hit for West Liberty.
WLU has won eight of nine and are now 16-15 overall and 10-2 in the Mountain East Conference the Toppers still hold a one game lead over the Falcons for first place in the north division.
The Toppers return to action Wednesday when they visit Walsh for a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.
