The Wheeling University Softball team (6-20), (1,5) continued with MEC play today as they battled the University of Charleston in a double header away from home. The Cardinals would fall in both matches in what was a tough afternoon against formidable opponents.

Game 1: Wheeling 0 - 2 Charleston

Wheeling opened the batting at the top of the first, and the afternoon got off to a positive start with Maria Harrison earning a walk early. The cardinals couldn't capitalise on a runner on base however, as they would record 3 outs in quick succession to send UC in to bat. Like Wheeling, Charleston would earn a walk early in the inning, and unlike Wheeling, would capitalise. Following a fly out to Ava Kresak at left field, and an out at home courtesy of Eden Troxel, Charleston would hit a single to the left side with a runner already on third. This would result in Charleston's first RBI of the game. Shortly after, Ava Kresak would earn another out at left field to send the game to the top of the second.

The Charleston defence proved tough for Wheeling in the first 2 innings, as again Wheeling could not find a hit. Charleston would earn 3 outs in as many batters, and went swiftly back in to bat. The bottom of the second was strong for Wheeling as following a UC single down left field, Wheeling would clap back with a double play courtesy of Grace Mummery on second base connecting with Riley Pearlman. Immediately following, Kaylin Shields earned a strike out looking and the game was sent to the third.

Despite still having no hits and two early outs at the top of the third, Wheeling managed to place runners on first and third. Maria Harrison was hit by pitch, and Ava Kresak earned a walk, advancing Harrison to second. Before the next pitch, Harrison would steal third. Despite the hard running work, the Cardinals could not capitalise as Charleston earned their third out shortly after. The bottom of the third was christened with a Wheeling error, allowing UC to place a runner on second early. Despite a ground out to Taylor Walsh, Charleston would hit a SAC in the next ball to earn another RBI, taking their tally to 2. Riley Pearlman would earn Wheeling's second out in the sacrifice, and the third inning would end with a pop up, again to Riley Pearlman at first base.

Wheeling would again struggle with a bat in their hands at the top of the fourth as two strike outs and a fly out, all in a row, sent us to the bottom of the 4th. Charleston would hit an early single at the bottom of the fourth, but Wheeling would pile the pressure on and earn 2 outs. A pop up to Taylor Walsh at short stop would be good enough for 1, whilst Maria Clark at third base connected with Grace Mummery at second to earn another. Despite a runner on second, the inning would end with a line out to Taylor Walsh at short stop.

The top of the 5th would see Madison Kay come in to pinch hit for Priscilla Villareal, but two strike outs swinging and a pop up to third base one after another would see Wheeling back on the field with 0 points. Kaylin Shields would earn two strike outs at the bottom of the 5th and along with a line out to Maria Clark on third base, the game would move on to the 6th inning, still 2-0 in favour of UC.

The top of the 6th would be almost identical to the 5th with Wheeling again struggling to place any runners on base, and recording 3 early outs. The bottom of the inning would be no different to the top as Wheeling found a defensive rhythm. Kaylin Shields would record 3 strike outs, sending Wheeling in to bat for what would be their last chance. 

Unfortunately, Wheeling could not break down the Charleston defence, as they again recorded 3 outs with no hits to make the game final at 2-0 Charleston.

Game 2: Wheeling 0 - 8 Charleston

Wheeling looked to bounce back in game two of the double header, but the Cardinals would face an uphill battle early on. Maria Harrison got things started at the top of the first with a well-earned walk, but Wheeling could not convert the early opportunity. A strike out swinging from Ava Kresak, followed by Harrison being caught stealing at second, and another strike out from Mackenzie Burns would end the inning with no runs on the board.

Charleston wasted no time making an impact in the bottom of the first. A leadoff double to center field set the tone, before a single shortly after brought home the opening run. Charleston continued to apply pressure, drawing multiple walks and capitalising on a Wheeling error and a wild pitch to extend their lead. Despite recording two outs through a fielder's choice and a fly out to left field, Charleston would tally five runs in the inning to take early control at 5-0.

The second inning saw Wheeling again struggle to generate offence. Maria Clark earned a walk to give the Cardinals a base runner, but three consecutive strike outs would halt any momentum. Charleston threatened briefly in the bottom half with a triple down the right field line, but strong defensive play from Wheeling limited the damage. A line out, followed by a ground out and a fly out, ensured Charleston added no further runs.

At the top of the third, Wheeling were unable to find a response as three quick outs, including two strike outs and a pop up, brought them straight back onto the field. The bottom of the inning was much improved defensively, with Wheeling retiring Charleston in order. Fly outs to center and left field, along with a line out to third base, kept the score at 5-0 heading into the fourth.

Looking to spark something offensively, Wheeling made changes at the top of the fourth with Marissa Rodriguez and Riley Pearlman entering as pinch hitters. However, Charleston's defence remained resolute, recording three straight strike outs to quickly end the inning. In the bottom half, Charleston extended their lead further. A triple to right field put immediate pressure on the Cardinals before a three-run home run to left field broke the game open, pushing the score to 8-0. Wheeling managed to record two outs either side of the home run, but the damage had been done.

The top of the fifth saw Wheeling show signs of life offensively. Taylor Walsh singled to center field to get things going, and Keke Warrix followed with a bunt single to place two runners on base. Despite the improved hitting, Wheeling could not capitalise as two strike outs and a fly out ended the inning with both runners stranded. As Wheeling were down 8 at the bottom of the fifth, the mercy rule came into effect and the game was over at 8-0 Charleston.

The Wheeling University Women's Softball team return to action tomorrow, March 29th, when they compete in double header conference action against West Virginia State University away from home.