WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University softball team returns home this weekend for a pivotal Mountain East Conference stretch, hosting Fairmont State for a doubleheader on Saturday before welcoming Frostburg State for another twinbill on Sunday at the Hilltopper Softball Complex.
The Hilltoppers enter the weekend at 17-26 overall and 10-12 in MEC play, looking to build momentum down the stretch with the conference tournament quickly approaching.
West Liberty has been fueled by a balanced offensive attack led by Paytyn Tucker, who is hitting .336 with a team-high 47 hits and 22 stolen bases. Jaden Conrad continues to be the power presence in the lineup, pacing the team in RBIs (27), doubles (12), and slugging percentage (.504).
Sara Simon (.292) and Isabella McKee (.276) provide additional production in the middle of the order, while Jillian Morr has been a steady table-setter with 28 hits and 19 runs scored.
In the circle, the Hilltoppers rely on a three-headed rotation of Kadence Pettit, Rylee Mangold, and Annaliese Davis.
Mangold leads the staff with a 2.90 ERA, while Pettit has a team-high seven wins and 52 strikeouts. Davis has also been heavily utilized, leading the team in innings pitched (77.2) and appearances (23), giving West Liberty depth heading into a demanding weekend.
Fairmont State enters the weekend as one of the top teams in the MEC at 29-9 overall and 17-3 in conference play.
The Falcons feature one of the most explosive offenses in the league, led by Bella Hess (.408), Emma Paul (.393, 47 RBIs), and Breonna Marietta, who boasts a .873 slugging percentage with 12 home runs.
In the circle, Delaney Haller has been dominant with a 1.78 ERA and nine wins, anchoring a pitching staff that has consistently limited opposing offenses.
West Liberty split with Fairmont State earlier this season, including a 9-1 run-rule victory on the road, and will look to carry that success into Saturday's home matchup.
Frostburg State also brings a strong résumé into the weekend at 32-8 overall and 15-5 in MEC play.
The Bobcats are powered by Arden Miller (.402, 47 RBIs, 8 HR) along with a deep lineup that includes multiple hitters batting above .350.
Frostburg's pitching staff is equally impressive, led by Izabella Donaldson, who owns a 2.30 ERA with 13 wins and 76 strikeouts.
The Bobcats swept West Liberty earlier this season, making Sunday's doubleheader an opportunity for the Hilltoppers to respond on their home field.
First pitch is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday against Fairmont State and noon on Sunday versus Frostburg State.
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.
