WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University softball team returns home Wednesday afternoon to host Wheeling in a Mountain East Conference North Division doubleheader at the Hilltopper Softball Complex. First pitch is set for 2 p.m., with game two to follow at 4 p.m.
Both teams enter the matchup with identical 1-1 conference records, setting the stage for an early-season divisional battle. West Liberty sits at 7-14 overall, while Wheeling comes in at 7-15 on the year.
West Liberty has shown steady improvement at the plate, hitting .259 as a team with 139 hits through 21 games. The Hilltoppers are led by one of the top hitters in the Mountain East Conference in Paytyn Tucker, who ranks fourth with a .433 batting average and is also a threat on the bases with an MEC leading 15 stolen bags .
Jaden Conrad (.344) and Sara Simon (.333) have provided additional punch in the middle of the lineup, combining for 21 extra-base hits and 21 RBIs. Conrad's ability to drive in runs has been key, while Simon adds power with two home runs on the season.
West Liberty has also shown patience at the plate, drawing 72 walks as a team, with Rylee Mangold leading the way with 12 free passes.
In the circle, Kadence Pettit and Rylee Mangold have paced the Hilltoppers. Pettit owns a 3.21 ERA with 48.0 innings pitched and ranks among the conference leaders in ERA and opponent batting average . Mangold has added a 3.44 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 36.2 innings, providing depth and consistency.
Annaliese Davis has also contributed valuable innings with 31.0 frames pitched and 24 strikeouts, giving West Liberty multiple options heading into the doubleheader.
Wheeling brings a balanced offensive attack, hitting .257 as a team, led by Mackenzie Burns, who is batting .431 with a 1.226 OPS—one of the top marks in the MEC. Burns also leads the conference in on-base percentage (.545), making her a constant threat at the top of the lineup .
Priscilla Villarreal (.379) and Ava Kresak (.318) add depth to the Cardinals' lineup, while KeKe Warrix provides speed with six stolen bases.
In the circle, Kaylin Shields has been a workhorse, logging over 68 innings with 62 strikeouts—ranking among the league leaders in punchouts . Maria Clark has also been a key arm with a 4.17 ERA in 47 innings pitched.
West Liberty has enjoyed success in recent meetings, including a dominant doubleheader sweep at Wheeling last season (19-7, 8-0). The Hilltoppers also split a home twinbill with the Cardinals in 2025.
First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Hilltopper Softball Complex, with game two to follow.
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.
