Wheeling, W. Va. – After opening the 2024 schedule at home over the weekend, the Wheeling University Softball team (1–1, 0–0) hits the road for the first time in 2024 on Thursday. They hit the road to face IUP in doubleheader action with first pitch at 2 PM as they continue their non-conference February slate. With three more doubleheaders before their spring trip, the Cardinals look to add to their win column as they head towards March.
The last time out, the Cardinals had a surprise open to their home slate of games, as they picked up a doubleheader with Hillsdale College on Sunday. It was a big day for the Cardinal's offense, who combined for 13 runs in the effort as they split the day with the Chargers. In the first game, the Cardinals would take an early lead, scoring a run in the bottom of the first, before Hillsdale tied things with a home run in the top half. The Cardinals would build as much as a 4-2 lead, but four unanswered Chargers runs led to a 6-4 defeat. In game two, it would be Hillsdale that took the early lead, with a run in the top of the first, before Wheeling answered with three in the bottom half. It was a strong pitching performance for the Cardinals, and the offense helped with nine runs of their own as they won 9-2 for the first win of the season and the first of Head Coach Mallory Chapman's career.
In the circle, the Cardinals were led by a strong pitching performance from sophomore Tessa Wise the sophomore threw 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, one earned, on five hits while walking five and striking out one. It was just the second complete game effort of Wise's career as she moved to 1-0 on the 2024 season. After giving up the first inning run, Wise was able to settle in, throwing up four straight zeroes from the second to the sixth inning. After going 1-3 a season ago, Wise is out to a strong start in 2024 and looks to be a leader for the Cardinal's pitching staff.
On the offensive side, it was a pair of newcomers to the Cardinal's lineup who made an immediate impact. In game one, it was freshman Grace Mummery who despite only getting one hit, had the biggest hit of the day. In the top of the fourth, she lined a two RBI single past the shortstop, bringing home two runs and giving Wheeling a 4-2 lead. She finished the day 2-7 with two RBI to round out a strong collegiate debut in the #2 spot. In the cleanup spot, freshman Madison Kay had a big day, going 3-7 between the two games, including her first collegiate home run. The blast came in the bottom of the first as she put the Cardinals ahead 2-1 as they would never give up the lead from that moment.
As the Cardinals continue through their non-conference schedule, they have a week of strong Atlantic Region opponents ahead of them. After taking on Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) opponent IUP on Thursday, the Cardinals will hit the road once again on Tuesday as they take on fellow PSAC competitor Seton Hill. It will give them a chance to see where they stand among some of the best teams in the region, before embarking on their annual spring trip to start March. In 2023, the team did not pickup their first win of the season until March 6th and, with their first win under their belt already, the team looks to keep their momentum going in the early season.
The Matchup
The Cardinals and Crimson Hawks will be meeting for the ninth and 10th times in program history when they meet up on Thursday, with IUP leading the all-time series at 6-2. When they hit the road, the Cardinals are 1-3 against IUP, but have generated a lot of offense averaging 4.5 runs per game. This will be just the second doubleheader between the two teams since 2017 and the Cardinals look to rebound after falling in doubleheader action a season ago.
Last year, IUP would sweep the doubleheader, picking up wins of 8-3 and 5-2 over the Cardinals. In game one, the Cardinals were led by Jenna Hollerich, who went 2-2 with a run scored, and Makie Paxson, who drove in 2 RBI. Game two saw Paxson an Anna Florczak drive in the team's two runs with Paxson finishing 1-4 with a run scored and Florczak going 1-3.
The Details
First pitch for Thursday's doubleheader action is scheduled to begin at 1 PM inside Ruth Podbieslki Field on the campus of IUP. You can watch the action live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
