SALEM, Va. – The West Liberty University softball team saw its 2026 season come to a close Thursday afternoon, falling to West Virginia State, 9-5, in an elimination game at the Mountain East Conference Tournament at the Moyer Sports Complex.
The Hilltoppers finish the year at 22-31, marking their seventh consecutive appearance in the MEC Tournament.
West Liberty came out with energy early, striking first in the opening inning. Rylee Mangold delivered a two-run single to center field, plating Jillian Morr and Paytyn Tucker to give the Hilltoppers a 2-0 lead.
West Virginia State responded with a decisive third inning, scoring five runs to take control. The Yellow Jackets capitalized on a pair of unearned runs and timely hitting, highlighted by RBI efforts from Autumn Hall, Olivia Bell, and Emily Bechtel, to surge ahead 5-2.
The Hilltoppers answered in the bottom half of the inning. Jaden Conrad drove in a run with a single, and another run came across on a wild pitch to trim the deficit to 5-4.
After WV State added a run in the fourth, West Liberty continued to battle. In the fifth inning, Sara Simon lined an RBI single down the left field line to make it a one-run game once again at 6-5.
However, the Yellow Jackets created separation late, scoring three runs in the seventh inning to extend their lead and secure the 9-5 victory.
West Liberty totaled 12 hits in the contest, with several players turning in strong performances at the plate. Paytyn Tucker, Jillian Morr, Jaden Conrad, Rylee Mangold, and Sara Simon each recorded two hits, while Mangold finished with a team-high two RBIs.
In the circle, Mangold took the loss after allowing five runs (two earned) in 2.2 innings. Ashlyn Tapman and Kadence Pettit provided relief.
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.
