SMITHERS, West Virginia — WVU Tech softball dropped a doubleheader to the University of Rio Grande, who were recently voted No. 24 in the nation (NAIA DI), with scores of 7-0 and 6-0 Sunday afternoon in Smithers, West Virginia. The Golden Bears are now 20-27, 9-9 (KIAC) while the RedStorm hold a record of 34-7, 17-1 (KIAC).

The Gold and Blue celebrated senior Megan Blythe in front of friends, family and Golden Bear fans at the Terry E. Willis Field. Blythe currently has a batting average of .429 and a slugging percentage of .651 this season. The .429 batting average earns the Suffolk, Virginia native a No. 45 ranking in the nation (NAIA DI).

Game One | WVU Tech 0, No. 24 Rio Grande 7 | Box Score

Sophomore Kayla Harbin and freshman Rachel Rusch marked a hit each to account for Tech's two hits. Rusch posted a single to center field in the bottom of the fourth while Harbin hit a lead-off double to right center in the bottom of the seventh.

Freshman Hannah Burke (4-8) drew the start and pitched 6.2 innings for the loss. Burke scattered nine hits and four earned runs while striking out two batters.

Game Two | WVU Tech 0, No. 24 Rio Grande 6 | Box Score

The Golden Bears managed six hits in the night cap, including a perfect 3-for-3 effort from Harbin.

Blythe, R. Rusch and sophomore MaKayla Waugh recorded a hit each. Waugh also finished with a stolen base.

Junior Mackenzie Wilson (9-10) threw from the circle for 3.2 innings and the loss. Wilson was able to retire five RedStorm batters via strikes while giving up four hits and three earned runs. Senior Genna Trippett finished out the game, recording three K's in 3.1 innings of work.

The team will finish out the regular season with a non-conference doubleheader against Bluefield State College in Hico, West Virginia at Midland Trail High School Wednesday. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.