BECKLEY, W.Va. — WVU Tech continued to show fight throughout a River States Conference doubleheader Tuesday at Fitzpatrick Park, highlighted by key offensive moments and competitive efforts in the circle, despite falling 11-3 in five innings in the opener and 4-2 in game two to the University of Rio Grande. The Golden Bears now stand at 5-13 overall and 3-11 in conference play.
Game 1
Rio Grande 11, WVU Tech 3 (5 Inn.)
WVU Tech responded in a big way after an early deficit, using a three-run third inning to pull even and create momentum.
Tori Wells sparked the rally with a double before Peyton Hudnall followed with a bunt single. Hailea Skeens executed a sacrifice bunt to bring in the first run, and Olivia Barnett delivered the big swing of the inning with a two-run home run to center, tying the game at 3-3.
The Golden Bears finished with four hits in the contest, with contributions throughout the lineup, including hits from Hudnall, Wells, Barnett and Meghan Gill.
In the circle, Taylor Scott went the distance, working 5.0 innings and continuing to take on a heavy workload for WVU Tech this season.
Golden Bear Highlights
Game 2
Rio Grande 4, WVU Tech 2
WVU Tech continued to battle in a tightly contested second game, taking an early lead and keeping pressure on throughout.
The Golden Bears got on the board in the second inning when Mia Valenzuela doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Meghan Gill. Tech added another run in the third, as Hudnall and Skeens singled to set up an RBI walk from Valenzuela, giving WVU Tech a 2-1 advantage.
WVU Tech totaled seven hits in the game, highlighted by a multi-hit performance from Olivia Barnett, while Skeens, Hudnall, Wells and Hamb each added hits.
In the circle, Meghan Gill delivered a complete-game effort, pitching 7.0 innings and limiting Rio Grande to four runs (three earned) while keeping the Golden Bears within reach throughout.
Golden Bear Highlights
Season Leaders
Through 18 games, Olivia Barnett leads WVU Tech with a .440 batting average, totaling 22 hits, six doubles, two triples, two home runs and a team-high 13 RBIs while posting a .508 on-base percentage and .760 slugging percentage. Hailea Skeens is batting .392 with 20 hits, five doubles and 11 RBIs, while also leading the team with 12 runs scored.
Brenna Reedy adds 13 RBIs with 13 hits and five extra-base hits, and Peyton Hudnall has recorded 13 hits, eight runs scored and five stolen bases at the top of the lineup. Tori Wells has contributed 13 hits and a team-high six stolen bases.
In the circle, Taylor Scott and Meghan Gill continue to carry the workload. Scott has logged 54.2 innings with 19 strikeouts and multiple complete games, while Gill has also thrown 54.2 innings with 13 strikeouts, highlighted by several complete-game efforts this season.
What's Next
WVU Tech returns to the road for a River States Conference doubleheader at Kentucky Christian on Friday, March 27. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM, followed by game two at 4:00 PM.
