Wheeling, W.Va- For the final time this season, the Wheeling University Softball team (12-31, 5-23) will take to the road. Playing Friday and Saturday, the Cardinals will square off in double headers against Notre Dame College starting at 3PM and Alderson Broaddus University at 1 PM.
The Cardinals took to the field Wednesday in a doubleheader against their rival, West Liberty University. Wheeling dropped both games, allowing a combined 23 runs. In the first game, Wheeling got on a roll in the 4th and 5th innings. Scoring three in each, Wheeling was led by Brooke Slomkowski who homered and Cassie Roman who doubled to right center. Slomkowski, Roman, Gina Fogle, Kelsi Green all were able to touch home plate once. Taylor Hradek also had a big day as she was the only player for the Cardinals to score twice.
Through the first four innings 12 runs were earned for West Liberty but things were contained in innings five, six and seven. Only two runs were allowed in that time. The final score was West Liberty 14, Wheeling 6.
The second matchup was back and forth through the first five innings. Slomkowski RBI singled in the first inning to bring Fogle across the plate. The fifth inning provided fireworks for the Cardinals as Roman scored her second run of the series and Anna Florcazk hit a home run bringing Randi Holder across the plate as well. Going to the sixth inning the game was tied 4-4. West Liberty had a strong push to close out, scoring two runs in the sixth and three runs in the seventh inning.
Pitching was better in the second game as both Jamie Anderson and Holder combined for three strikeouts and only nine hits. The final score was West Liberty 9, Wheeling 4.
With four games left in the season, Wheeling hopes to end their final weekend of play on a good note. Bragging rights and critical experience will be on the line as the team will have to face two Mountain East Conference opponents (MEC).
The Matchups:
Notre Dame College- Playing each other since 2013, Wheeling holds the all-time series record 20-13. Eight of those wins have come on the road. The last time the two met was in March of this year when the Falcons won in a shootout, 18-11. Wheeling looks to grow their away record to ten by the end of Friday night.
Alderson Broaddus University- The Battlers and Cardinals first played each other back in 2012. Wheeling won 10-1 that day and have dominated the series ever since. Currently the Cardinals are 8-2 and 4-0 on the road against Alderson Broaddus. Wheeling looks to extend their undefeated streak this Saturday.
The Details:
The first pitch for game one of Friday's doubleheaders is scheduled for 3 PM at Notre Dame college. You can watch live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
