PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The West Liberty University softball team split a Thursday doubleheader at Point Park, using an offensive outburst to take game one before falling in the nightcap at Fairhaven Park.
With the split, the Hilltoppers move to 21-28 overall and 14-14 in Mountain East Conference play heading into the final day of the regular season.
Game One: West Liberty 17, Point Park 12
West Liberty's bats came alive early and never slowed down in a wild opener, piling up 20 hits in a 17-12 victory .
The Hilltoppers erupted for five runs in the first inning, highlighted by RBI hits from Jaden Conrad, Rylee Mangold, Shelby Harris, and Ashlyn Tapman to take immediate control. After Point Park answered with four runs in the third, West Liberty responded with a five-run fourth inning to stretch the lead back to 12-4.
Harris led the offensive explosion with a 5-for-5 performance, driving in four runs and collecting three doubles. Isabella McKee added three hits and three RBIs, while Conrad finished with three hits and three runs scored. Tapman also contributed three hits and three RBIs in the win.
Despite 17 hits from Point Park, the Hilltoppers maintained their advantage throughout. Tapman earned the win in the circle, while Mangold closed out the final four innings.
Game Two: Point Park 9, West Liberty 6
The nightcap saw another back-and-forth battle, but this time Point Park used a big fifth inning to secure a 9-6 win.
West Liberty took control early with a three-run third inning, as Sara Simon, Jaden Conrad, and Isabella McKee each delivered RBI hits to give the Hilltoppers a 3-2 lead. Simon added an RBI double in the fourth, and Shelby Harris drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth to keep West Liberty in front.
However, Point Park responded with four runs in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead for good. The Hilltoppers trimmed the deficit to two in the sixth, but were unable to complete the comeback.
Paytyn Tucker paced West Liberty with two hits and three runs scored, while Simon added two hits and an RBI. McKee also recorded a pair of hits in the loss.
West Liberty will close out the 2026 regular season Friday with a non-conference doubleheader at Salem. First pitch is scheduled for Noon.
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.
