BECKLEY, W.Va. – WVU Tech softball earned a River States Conference (RSC) doubleheader split Friday at Fitzpatrick Park, falling 12-7 in game one before bouncing back with a 4-1 victory in the nightcap against Oakland City.
The Golden Bears stand at 4-6 overall and 2-4 in conference play.
Game 1 – Oakland City 12, WVU Tech 7
Oakland City used a big third inning to pull away in the opener, scoring eight runs in the frame to seize control of the game.
The Mighty Oaks struck first in the opening inning before adding two runs in the second to build a 3-0 lead. WVU Tech answered with a five-run rally in the bottom of the second.
After Brenna Reedy walked and Mia Valenzuela singled, the Golden Bears loaded the bases. Tori Wells drew a walk to force in a run before Hailea Skeens reached on an error that brought home two more runs. Moments later, Olivia Barnett delivered a two-run double to left field to give WVU Tech a 4-3 advantage.
Oakland City responded with eight runs on eight hits in the third inning to regain the lead and create separation.
The Golden Bears continued to compete offensively. Ashleigh James doubled and later scored on an RBI groundout by Reedy in the third inning, and WVU Tech added another run in the sixth when Barnett lifted a sacrifice fly.
Barnett led WVU Tech in the opener, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs, while the Golden Bears drew six walks and scored seven runs on seven hits.
Game 2 – WVU Tech 4, Oakland City 1
WVU Tech responded with one of its most complete performances of the season in the nightcap behind timely hitting and a dominant outing in the circle from Taylor Scott.
Oakland City broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning with an RBI single to take a 1-0 lead.
The Golden Bears answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Hailea Skeens singled to start the rally and Olivia Barnett followed with a walk to put two runners aboard. With two outs, Brenna Reedy delivered a two-run single to center field to give WVU Tech a 2-1 lead.
Tech added insurance in the sixth inning when Skeens singled again and Barnett launched a two-run home run to center field, extending the advantage to 4-1.
Barnett finished 2-for-2 with a double, home run and two RBIs, while Skeens collected two hits and two runs scored. Reedy added two RBIs in the victory.
In the circle, Scott tossed a complete game, allowing just one run on seven hits with no walks while inducing 11 ground-ball outs to secure the win.
The Golden Bears also played clean defense in the nightcap, committing no errors and turning a double play.
Golden Bear Highlights
WVU Tech scored 11 runs across the doubleheader.
Stat Leaders (through 10 games)
- Olivia Barnett: .417 AVG, 10 H, 7 RBI, 3 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, .792 SLG
- Hailea Skeens: .333 AVG, 8 H, 6 R, 7 RBI, .467 OBP
- Brenna Reedy: team-high 9 RBI, 8 H, 2 2B, 1 3B
- Taylor Scott: 2-3 record, 32.2 IP, 15 strikeouts
Team notes: WVU Tech has scored 42 runs, collected 60 hits, and stolen 23 bases through 10 games.
What WVU Tech Did Well vs. Oakland City
Oakland City entered the series batting .343 as a team, one of the strongest offensive marks in the River States Conference.
In game two, WVU Tech:
- held Oakland City to one run on seven hits
- issued no walks
- played error-free defense
- turned a double play
The performance marked one of the most effective pitching and defensive outings against the Mighty Oaks this season.
What's Next
WVU Tech continues River States Conference play Saturday at Fitzpatrick Park with a doubleheader against Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m., with game two set for 2 p.m.
