WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University softball team returns to the Hilltopper Softball Complex on Wednesday for a non-conference doubleheader against Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The Hilltoppers enter the midweek matchup looking to build momentum after a split with Concord, improving to 11-24 overall on the season . West Liberty has been competitive at home, posting a 5-5 record at the Hilltopper Softball Complex.

Offensively, West Liberty has been paced by a balanced lineup led by Paytyn Tucker, who is hitting .355 with a team-high 39 hits and 17 stolen bases. Jaden Conrad has provided extra-base production, batting .314 with a team-best nine doubles, while Sara Simon continues to be a key run producer with a team-high 21 runs scored and 17 RBIs to go along with three home runs.

The Hilltoppers have shown the ability to manufacture runs, combining speed and situational hitting, while drawing key walks from players like Rylee Mangold, who leads the team with 17 free passes.

In the circle, Kadence Pettit has anchored the pitching staff with a 3.12 ERA and six wins across a team-high 76.1 innings. Rylee Mangold (3.24 ERA) and Annaliese Davis (3.85 ERA) provide additional depth, giving West Liberty multiple options throughout the doubleheader.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania enters Wednesday with a 22-16 overall record and winners of four straight games . The Crimson Hawks have been strong in conference play and bring one of the more potent lineups West Liberty will face this season.

Madison Pikula leads the offense with a .383 average, 54 hits, and 33 RBIs, while Delaney Patella adds power with seven home runs and a .670 slugging percentage. Ruby Singleton and Brianna Pusateri both hit above .350, giving IUP a deep and dangerous lineup from top to bottom.

In the circle, IUP features a strong one-two punch in Taylor Bumgardner (10 wins, 3.44 ERA) and Kendall Young (8 wins, 78 strikeouts), both of whom have logged significant innings this season.

West Liberty picked up a 6-1 win over IUP earlier this season at the Highlands Classic.

Following the non-conference twinbill, West Liberty returns to Mountain East Conference play this weekend with a road trip to Davis & Elkins.

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.