Wheeling, W. Va- The Wheeling University Softball team (10-38), (5-21) took on Frostburg and Fairmont State last weekend in a series that saw Wheeling record 10 runs, 17 hits, and a win across the four games they played. In their win over the Bobcats in game one, the Cards went down 2-0 early on, but back-to-back home runs in the second inning by Denise Carrillo and Eden Troxel gave them a 3-2 lead and then another home run by Mackenzie Burns in the third gave Wheeling a three-run lead. They conceded a run before the end of the game but held on to the lead to take down Frostburg 5-3. The Bobcats felt some type of way after the upset and proceeded to take a 9-0 win over the Cards in game two.
The Cardinals got off to a great start against the Mountain East Conference (MEC) North Division leader Fairmont State in game one by taking a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Burns hit a two-RBI double, and KeKe Warrix hit a sacrifice groundout for the lead. However, Fairmont stormed back in the fourth and ended up sweeping the series 9-4 in game one and 7-1 in game two.
The team is looking to finish the year on a high note, and after stealing a game against Frostburg, they may be able to do just that. Brook Sanders, Burns, Priscilla Villarreal, Warrix, and Rayn Casassa have been playing very well recently, and all have batting averages above .300. Burns and Warrix in particular have been having an incredible year. The duo combines for 85 hits and has been a consistent source of offense when the Cardinals need it the most all season long.
The Matchup
The Salem Tigers are coming off a two-game sweep of Kent State Tuscarawas, winning game one 8-0 and holding on for a 12-11 win in game two. The Tigers netted 30 hits across both contests to mark one of the team's most efficient offensive outings. Senior outfielder Kylie Zinn was just one of the players that had a great day, going 5-8, three RBIs, and scoring three runs. Sophomore utility player Bella Ortiz also had a strong showing as she went 4-6 and scored four runs herself. Salem has the slight 9-8 advantage in the all-time series dating back to 2014. Wheeling last played them on March 22nd of this season when they had split the series with the Tigers, losing 6-2 in game one and then sealing the 5-0 shutout win in game two.
Point Park will play West Liberty before Wheeling, but they are currently on a four-losing streak after 5-2 and 11-0 losses to Glenville State and 13-0 and 6-2 losses to Concord. Junior catcher Cam Mann is tied with junior pitcher/outfielder Emma Henry with a .311 batting average. The Pioneers have a slim 4-3 all-time record against the Cardinals dating back to 2017. The two last met on March 23rd when the Cardinals dominated with a 13-4 win in game one, but dropped game two as the Pioneers came from behind to win 9-6.
The Details
The Wheeling University Softball team travels to the Bridgeport Sports Complex to take on the Salem Tigers tomorrow, April 30th and then will head to Fairhaven Park in Pittsburgh, PA to battle it out against the Point Park Pioneers on Friday, May 1st. Game times and links will be provided below.
Wheeling vs Salem Game One (4/30 @12pm)
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Wheeling vs Salem Game Two (4/30 @2pm)
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Wheeling vs Point Park Game One (5/1 @1pm)
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Wheeling vs Point Park Game Two (5/1 @3pm)
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