CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Liberty University softball team carried a late lead into the sixth inning Sunday, but Ohio Dominican used a five-run frame to rally for a 5-2 victory at the UC Softball Invitational.

West Liberty moves to 4-9 on the season following the setback.

The Hilltoppers broke through in the third inning with timely execution. Rylee Mangold started the rally and later scored when Annaliese Davis worked a bases-loaded walk to give West Liberty a 1-0 advantage. Moments later, Sara Simon reached on a fielder's choice that brought home Jillian Morr, extending the lead to 2-0.

West Liberty's pitching and defense held firm through five innings. Kadence Pettit was sharp in the circle early, keeping the Panthers off the scoreboard while working around traffic. She finished with five strikeouts over six innings of work.

Ohio Dominican broke through in the sixth. A fielder's choice plated the Panthers' first run, and a two-run single up the middle by Evan Platfoot swung the momentum. The Panthers added two more runs in the inning — one aided by an error — to take a 5-2 lead.

The Hilltoppers threatened late but were unable to push across additional runs. West Liberty totaled five hits in the contest, with Morr, Paytyn Tucker, Simon, Jaden Conrad, and Mangold each recording a hit. Mangold added a double, while Simon swiped a base.

Pettit (2-3) took the loss despite allowing just three earned runs, while Ohio Dominican's Alyvia Lawrentz earned the complete-game victory with nine strikeouts.

West Liberty will look to bounce back when the Hilltoppers return action Saturday for a doubleheader at Slippery Rock. 



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.