WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University softball team opened Mountain East Conference play Sunday afternoon with a split against Point Park at the Hilltopper Softball Complex, dropping a high-scoring opener before rallying for a 6-5 victory in game two.
Game 1: Point Park 12, West Liberty 9
West Liberty battled back from an early deficit but couldn't overcome a fast start by Point Park in a 12-9 loss in the opener.
The Pioneers jumped out to a 7-0 lead through two innings, capitalizing on timely hitting and a two-run home run from Mia Arndt. The Hilltoppers answered in the second inning with RBI singles from Isabella McKee and Delaney Deitrick to cut the deficit to 7-3.
After Point Park extended its lead to 12-5, West Liberty mounted a late rally in the seventh. Annaliese Davis drove in a run, Paytyn Tucker added an RBI on a fielder's choice, and Sara Simon capped the surge with a two-run single to pull the Hilltoppers within three.
West Liberty totaled 14 hits in the game, led by Jillian Morr (3-for-4, 2 RBI), Jaden Conrad (3-for-5), and McKee (2-for-4, RBI). Simon also drove in two runs, while Deitrick added a pair of RBIs.
Game 2: West Liberty 6, Point Park 5
The Hilltoppers responded in game two, using timely hitting and a strong effort in the circle from Rylee Mangold to secure a 6-5 win in the conference opener.
Point Park again struck early, taking a 3-0 lead in the first inning. West Liberty answered immediately, as Morr delivered a two-run single to cut the deficit to 3-2.
After falling behind 4-2, the Hilltoppers tied the game in the fourth inning with RBI doubles from McKee and Shelby Harris. Point Park regained a 5-4 lead in the sixth, but West Liberty answered once more in the bottom half.
Simon delivered the decisive blow with a two-run single, scoring Tucker and Deitrick to give the Hilltoppers a 6-5 advantage.
Mangold went the distance in the circle to earn the win, allowing five runs (two earned) while scattering eight hits.
Morr led the offense again with two hits and two RBIs, while Simon finished with two RBIs. McKee and Harris each added key extra-base hits in the comeback victory.
West Liberty returns to action Wednesday when they host Wheeling in a doubleheader beginning 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.
