Glenville, W.Va. — Glenville State used a strong offensive and pitching performance to take Game One of Saturday's doubleheader against West Liberty, shutting out the Hilltoppers 9-0 in five innings.
The Pioneers wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard, plating five runs in the top of the first. The big blow of the inning came when Hannah Howe launched a three-run homer, giving Glenville State an early 5-0 lead.
Howe capped her stellar performance with her second home run of the game in the fifth inning, a two-run shot that made it 9-0. She finished the game 2-for-2 with five RBIs and two homers.
West Liberty struggled to get anything going against Glenville starter Kylie Burdick (9-7), who allowed just three hits over five shutout innings while striking out four and walking two. The Hilltoppers' hits came from Sydney Johnson, Jillian Morr, and Kadence Pettit.
Madison Angus (5-7) took the loss for West Liberty, surrendering four earned runs in just a third of an inning before giving way to Leah Alford, who pitched the remaining four frames.
Game 2
West Liberty's (19-18, 11-5) offense couldn't find its rhythm in game two of Saturday's doubleheader, falling 5-0 to Glenville State.
The Pioneers struck early, plating three runs in the opening frame for a quick 3-0 lead.
Glenville State added to its advantage in the third inning, pushing the lead to 5-0.
West Liberty collected five hits on the day, with Jaden Conrad, Paytyn Tucker, Jillian Morr, Kadence Pettit, and Sara Simon each recording one. However, the Hilltoppers left eight runners on base and couldn't convert with runners in scoring position.
On the mound, Meghan Stump was dominant for Glenville State, tossing a complete-game shutout. The right-hander allowed just five hits, struck out six, and didn't walk a batter to improve to 7-3 on the season.
Kadence Pettit took the loss for West Liberty, her first in conference play, surrendering five runs on seven hits over three innings. Ashlyn Tapman provided three scoreless innings of relief, allowing just two hits.
Next up the Hilltoppers will host Wheeling Wednesday in a doubleheader starting at 3 p.m.
