WHEELING, W.Va. – The West Liberty University softball team continues its road swing Wednesday with a Mountain East Conference doubleheader at Wheeling. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m., with game two to follow at the JB Chambers I-470 Complex.
West Liberty (16-25, 9-11 MEC) enters the matchup riding a four-game winning streak, sweeping West Virginia Wesleyan and Davis & Elkins over the weekend. The Hilltoppers will look to carry that momentum into a matchup with Wheeling (8-34, 3-17 MEC), which is currently on a six-game skid.
West Liberty has been fueled by a balanced lineup throughout the season, led by Paytyn Tucker's .341 batting average and team-high 45 hits. Jaden Conrad (.320) has been a key run producer, pacing the Hilltoppers in RBIs (24), doubles (12), and total bases (63), while Sara Simon (.309) adds another consistent bat with 22 RBIs and 24 runs scored.
Isabella McKee has provided power in the middle of the lineup with three home runs and a .469 slugging percentage, while Tucker's speed continues to be a difference-maker with 21 stolen bases.
In the circle, West Liberty features a trio of experienced arms. Rylee Mangold leads the staff with a 2.90 ERA, while Kadence Pettit has logged a team-high 86.1 innings and seven wins. Annaliese Davis adds depth with 43 strikeouts on the season.
Wheeling will counter with a lineup led by Mackenzie Burns, who is hitting .381 with a team-high 40 hits and a .543 slugging percentage. KeKe Warrix (.330) provides speed and run production, leading the Cardinals with 17 runs scored and 11 stolen bases, while Maria Clark has driven in a team-best 19 RBIs.
West Liberty has had the upper hand in the series, holding a 28-21 advantage and winning eight of the last 10 meetings. The Hilltoppers swept the previous matchup earlier this season on March 25, including an 11-0 run-rule victory.
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.
