West Liberty, W.Va. - The West Liberty University softball team returns to action this weekend at the UC Invitational in Charleston, W.Va., with four games scheduled Friday through Sunday.
West Liberty (3-5) will face Ashland University on Friday at 4:30 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader against Ashland (12:30 p.m.) and Ohio Dominican University (5:30 p.m.). The Hilltoppers will wrap up the event Sunday with an 11 a.m. matchup against Ohio Dominican.
The Hilltoppers are coming off a strong finish at The Highlands Classic, highlighted by a 12-4 win over Lake Erie. West Liberty's offense showed its potential in that contest, drawing 16 walks and tallying nine hits in the run-rule victory.
As a team, West Liberty is hitting .260 with 58 hits and 42 runs scored through nine games. The Hilltoppers have shown a balanced attack with 15 doubles, a triple, and a home run while also swiping 15 bases in 16 attempts.
Paytyn Tucker has been a spark at the top of the lineup, batting .571 (12-for-21) with seven RBIs and a perfect 7-for-7 mark in stolen bases. Kadence Pettit has been equally impressive at the plate, hitting .600 in limited action, while Annaliese Davis (.313) has added three doubles and six extra-base hits.
Sara Simon has provided power in the middle of the order with a home run and five RBIs, and Jaden Conrad has scored a team-high seven runs.
Pettit has also led the way in the circle, posting a 2-1 record with a 1.94 ERA across four starts, including a complete-game victory over Malone earlier this season. She has limited opponents to a .232 batting average while striking out 14 in 18 innings.
Ashlyn Tapman (3.82 ERA) and Davis (4.42 ERA) have added valuable innings, while Rylee Mangold owns a team-best 14 strikeouts.
Overall, West Liberty's pitching staff holds a 4.49 ERA and has struck out 45 batters in 57.2 innings of work.
First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m. Friday in Charleston.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
