Wheeling, W. Va- The Wheeling University Softball team (8-34), (3-13) had a busy weekend, taking on Davis & Elkins and West Virginia Wesleyan. Despite the unfavorable outcomes, the Cardinals played very well and were able to get lots of runs across the plate. Wheeling will continue Mountain East Conference (MEC) play tomorrow when they take on a familiar foe just north of them.
The Cardinal offense racked up 21 hits against West Virginia Wesleyan last Saturday, outhitting the Bobcats in each game. The game one hit total of 13 tied the Cardinals' season-high for this year, but of the four total games where the Cards recorded 13 hits, their only loss was to Wesleyan this past weekend. Rayn Casassa shined in both contests, going 4-5 at the plate while drawing two walks.
Among the other Cardinals that performed exceptionally well, KeKe Warrix and Mackenzie Burns recorded three hits. One of Burns' two hits became the lone Cardinal run in game two when she hit a solo shot for her third home run of the season. Madison Kay, Tasiana Taufahema, and Maria Clark all recorded two hits on the day. Offensively speaking, this was a positive sign for the team. Even though they were unable to win, each contest showed how gritty and determined the team can be.
The pitching staff showed life as well. Kaylin Shields got the start in game one and in 6.0 innings pitched, she struck out six batters and is top 10 in the league with strikeouts. Ryleigh Peters was the starter for game two and threw 6.0 innings while only conceding four hits and two runs.
The Matchup
West Liberty is riding a four-game win streak and in those four games, the Toppers have amassed a .402 batting average. The Hilltoppers are third in the Mountain East Conference's (MEC) North Division with a 9-11 league record. They are coming off a road series against Davis & Elkins where West Liberty run-ruled the Sens in both games, 12-2 in game one and 13-5 in game two. Junior outfielder Paytyn Tucker (.341), senior infielders Jaden Conrad (.320) and Sara Simon (.309) are all batting at least .300 for the Toppers this season.
West Liberty holds the slim margin in the all-time series against Wheeling, 29-23, with the Hilltoppers winning the last three contests. Their last meeting was earlier this season on March 25th when West Liberty took game one 5-4 and then 11-0 in game two.
The Details
The Wheeling University Softball team hosts the West Liberty Hilltoppers at the JB Chambers I-470 Complex tomorrow, April 22nd. Game one is scheduled for 4pm and game two is slated for 6pm. Links will be provided below.
Game One: Wheeling vs West Liberty (4pm)
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Game Two: Wheeling vs West Liberty (6pm)
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