SALEM, Va. – The West Liberty University softball team closed out play at the Salem Regional Tournament on Sunday with a pair of losses, falling to Shepherd, 1-0, before dropping a 9-1 decision to Bloomsburg at the Moyer Complex.
The Hilltoppers move to 5-12 on the season.
Game 1 – Shepherd 1, West Liberty 0
West Liberty and Shepherd were locked in a pitchers' duel in the morning contest, with the Rams scoring the game's only run in the second inning.
Shepherd's Hailey Putnam reached earlier in the inning and eventually crossed the plate on a wild pitch to give the Rams a 1-0 lead.
The Hilltoppers were limited offensively as Shepherd pitcher Madelayne Ruffner tossed a one-hit shutout, striking out 10.
West Liberty's lone hit came from Rylee Mangold, while Delaney Deitrick drew two walks.
Despite the loss, Annaliese Davis turned in a strong outing in the circle, pitching a complete game while allowing just one run on five hits with four strikeouts.
Game 2 – Bloomsburg 9, West Liberty 1
Bloomsburg jumped out to an early lead in the second game, scoring five runs in the first inning and adding another in the second to take control of the contest.
West Liberty answered in the bottom of the first when Sara Simon delivered an RBI single to right field, scoring Paytyn Tucker to cut the deficit to 5-1.
However, the Huskies extended their lead in the fourth inning with a three-run home run by Allie Wenrich to make it 9-1.
The Hilltoppers collected five hits in the game, with Simon leading the way with two hits and an RBI, while Mangold, Tucker, and Delaney Deitrick also recorded hits.
Kadence Pettit took the loss after allowing nine runs—four earned—over 3.2 innings, while Ashlyn Tapman provided relief and worked 1.1 scoreless innings.
The Hilltoppers will host IUP in their home opener Wednesday for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.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.
