CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Liberty University softball team split a pair of games Saturday at the UC Softball Invitational, earning a dramatic extra-inning victory over Ashland before dropping an 8-3 decision to Ohio Dominican.

West Liberty moves to 4-8 on the season after the day's action.

Game One: West Liberty 5, Ashland 4 (8 innings)

The Hilltoppers opened the day with a thrilling 5-4 extra-inning win over Ashland, using timely power and clutch situational hitting to secure the victory.

West Liberty struck first in the second inning as Sara Simon launched a solo home run to left field. Just moments later, Jaden Conrad followed with a solo shot of her own to give the Hilltoppers a 2-0 lead.

Ashland responded with a pair of two-run innings in the third and fourth to take a 4-2 advantage. The Hilltoppers answered in the fifth when Kadence Pettit delivered a two-run single to right field, scoring Paytyn Tucker and Reese Ward to even the game at 4-4.

The contest remained deadlocked until the bottom of the eighth. Kassydi Harris came around to score on Conrad's sacrifice fly to left field, sealing the walk-off win for West Liberty.

Simon and Conrad each homered and combined for three RBIs, while Pettit added two hits and two RBIs. Tucker swiped two bases and scored once.

In the circle, Annaliese Davis went the first four innings before Rylee Mangold shut the door. Mangold (2-1) tossed four scoreless innings in relief, allowing just three hits while striking out two to earn the win.

Game Two: Ohio Dominican 8, West Liberty 3

In the second game of the day, Ohio Dominican used early pressure and aggressive baserunning to take control in an 8-3 decision.

The Panthers capitalized on speed in the opening inning, scoring three runs — two of which were unearned — to jump ahead early. West Liberty cut into the deficit in the second when Isabella McKee doubled to left field to drive in Simon.

After Ohio Dominican extended its lead, Conrad delivered an RBI double in the fourth to score Simon and make it 5-2. The Hilltoppers added another run in the sixth as Shelby Harris singled to left field to bring home Conrad.

Simon led the offense, finishing 3-for-3 at the plate. Conrad and McKee each recorded doubles and RBIs as West Liberty totaled eight hits in the contest.

Ohio Dominican added insurance runs late to secure the win. The Hilltoppers will wrap up their weekend stay in Charleston Sunday when they meet Ohio Dominican again at 11 a.m. 









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.