SALEM, Va. — The West Liberty University softball team left it all on the field Saturday afternoon, but a late push came up just short as the Hilltoppers fell 4-2 to the University of Charleston in the Mountain East Conference Championship game.
Facing an early 3-0 hole, West Liberty (31-25) refused to go quietly. After Charleston jumped ahead with two runs in the first and added another on a solo homer in the fourth, the Hilltoppers showed their trademark grit and resilience.
West Liberty struck back in the bottom of the fourth, loading the bases with smart at-bats and timely execution. Alayna Cook drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home Sara Simon, and Emily Allen followed with an infield RBI single, scoring Jillian Morr and trimming the deficit to 3-2.
The momentum was building in the Hilltoppers' dugout, but Charleston responded with a solo home run from Allison Rubal in the fifth to regain a two-run cushion.
West Liberty threatened again late, but couldn't find the big hit to draw even. Sydney Johnson and Sara Simon led the Hilltopper offense with two hits apiece, while Simon delivered a pair of doubles to ignite the lineup. In the circle, Kadence Pettit was outstanding in relief, firing three scoreless innings and keeping Charleston at bay down the stretch.
Despite the loss, the Hilltoppers showed great growth this season in year two under head coach Sara Pelegreen, winning 31 games and advancing to the tournament championship. Their grit, hustle, and never-quit attitude were on full display throughout the tournament and again in the title game.
Final Score: Charleston 4, West Liberty 2
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