WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University softball team returns to action this weekend with a road doubleheader against Slippery Rock University on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m., with game two set for 3 p.m. in Slippery Rock.
The Hilltoppers enter the matchup with a 4-9 overall record following a challenging early-season slate that included the UC Invitational last weekend. Despite the record, West Liberty has shown offensive potential throughout the first month of the season, batting .250 as a team with 82 hits and 53 runs scored through 13 games.
Several Hilltoppers have emerged as consistent producers at the plate.
Junior outfielder Paytyn Tucker has been one of the team's top catalysts offensively, leading West Liberty with a .441 batting average and 15 hits while also adding four doubles and nine stolen bases. Tucker's speed and ability to reach base have helped spark the Hilltopper offense throughout the early portion of the season.
Senior second baseman Jaden Conrad has also been a steady presence in the lineup, batting .342 with 13 hits, three doubles, a home run, and seven RBI. Conrad also leads the team with three sacrifice flies and ranks among the team leaders in runs scored.
Sophomore shortstop Sara Simon adds power to the lineup with a team-high two home runs while batting .300 with 12 hits and nine runs scored. Meanwhile, Annaliese Davis has contributed six RBI, including the team's only triple of the season.
In the circle, Kadence Pettit has been West Liberty's most consistent arm. The sophomore owns a 2.90 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 29 innings, while holding opposing hitters to a .243 batting average. Pettit has also thrown two complete games this season.
Rylee Mangold has added depth to the pitching staff with a 2-1 record, while Ashlyn Tapman and Annaliese Davis have combined for additional innings in the rotation.
Slippery Rock enters play this week with a 4-2 record and has produced strong offensive numbers early in the season, batting .311 as a team.
Alyssa Massucci leads the Rock offense with a .615 average, while Maddie Cavenaugh is hitting .429 with eight RBI and a home run. In the circle, Rachel Baker has been dominant early, posting a 0.78 ERA with a 3-0 record and 18 strikeouts in 18 innings.
West Liberty has had success against Slippery Rock in recent meetings. The Hilltoppers swept a doubleheader in 2021, winning 5-2 and 3-2 in Slippery Rock. The most recent meeting came in 2022, when the teams split a pair of tightly contested games in West Liberty.
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.
