WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University softball team hits the road Thursday for a Mountain East Conference doubleheader at Point Park. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Fairhaven Park in McKees Rocks, Pa.
The Hilltoppers (20-27, 13-13 MEC) enter the week with momentum after winning three of their last four games, including a doubleheader sweep of Frostburg State on Sunday. West Liberty currently sits in the middle of the MEC North Division standings and will look to continue climbing as the regular season winds down.
Offensively, West Liberty is led by Paytyn Tucker, who is batting .347 with a team-high 52 hits, 34 runs scored, and 24 stolen bases. Jaden Conrad (.322) has been a consistent run producer with a team-best 30 RBIs and 14 doubles, while Sara Simon (.296, 42 hits, 23 RBIs) and Isabella McKee (.283, 21 RBIs) provide additional punch in the lineup.
The Hilltoppers have shown balance throughout the order, with multiple players contributing both power and speed, highlighted by Conrad, McKee, and Simon each tallying three home runs on the season.
In the circle, West Liberty features a strong trio led by Kadence Pettit, who has logged a team-high 98.1 innings with eight wins and 60 strikeouts. Rylee Mangold (2.94 ERA) has been effective in both starting and relief roles, while Annaliese Davis adds depth with 52 strikeouts on the year.
Point Park (11-33, 3-21 MEC) enters Thursday's matchup looking to snap a four-game losing streak. The Pioneers are led offensively by Mia Arndt (.307, 36 runs, 5 home runs, 31 stolen bases) along with Cam Mann (.311) and Emma Henry (.311).
In the circle, Julia Johnson has carried the bulk of the workload for Point Park with 148.1 innings pitched and eight wins, while Henry has also seen significant action.
The two teams met earlier this season at the Hilltopper Softball Complex, splitting a doubleheader in a pair of tightly contested games.
With postseason positioning on the line, West Liberty will look to take advantage of the matchup and continue its late-season push when the Hilltoppers and Pioneers meet Thursday afternoon.
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.
