BECKLEY, W.Va. — WVU Tech battled one of the River States Conference's top teams on Saturday at Fitzpatrick Park, responding with a strong bounce-back effort to split a doubleheader against Shawnee State (18-6 overall, 13-3 RSC). The Golden Bears fell 3-0 in game one before answering with a 6-2 win in game two.

Game 1

Shawnee State 3, WVU Tech 0

WVU Tech competed throughout the opener, holding a powerful Shawnee State lineup to just three runs while limiting damage in multiple innings.

Meghan Gill delivered a complete-game effort in the circle, allowing just two earned runs across 7.0 innings against one of the conference's most productive offenses.

The Golden Bears threatened early, as Hailea Skeens doubled in the third inning and advanced to third, while Olivia Barnett added a single in the first to spark the offense.

Despite being held to two hits, WVU Tech stayed within reach throughout, trailing just 1-0 into the fifth inning before Shawnee State added insurance runs late.

Golden Bear Highlights

• Hailea Skeens: 1-for-3, double
• Olivia Barnett: 1-for-3
• Meghan Gill: 7.0 IP, 3 runs (2 earned)

Game 2

WVU Tech 6, Shawnee State 2

WVU Tech responded in a big way in game two, using an explosive first inning and strong pitching to secure the split.

The Golden Bears jumped out early with four runs in the opening frame. Tori Wells delivered a two-run double, and Kaylee Waddell followed with a two-run triple to give Tech immediate control.

WVU Tech added two more runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by an RBI double from Olivia Barnett and heads-up baserunning that helped extend the lead to 6-2.

Taylor Scott was outstanding in the circle, tossing a complete game and allowing just one earned run while keeping Shawnee State's offense in check throughout.

Golden Bear Highlights

• Olivia Barnett: 2-for-3, double, RBI
• Tori Wells: 1-for-3, double, 2 RBIs
• Kaylee Waddell: 1-for-2, triple, 2 RBIs
• Peyton Hudnall: 2 runs, 2 walks, stolen base
• Taylor Scott: 7.0 IP, 2 runs (1 earned)

How It Stacks Up

Shawnee State entered the day as one of the top offensive teams in the conference, ranking first in batting average (.376) and slugging percentage (.553). WVU Tech held them to just five total runs across the doubleheader, including only two runs in game two.

The six-run output in game two also marked one of the stronger offensive showings against Shawnee State in recent conference play, highlighting WVU Tech's ability to compete with one of the league's top teams.

What's Next

WVU Tech returns to action Friday, April 3, hosting Indiana University Columbus for a River States Conference doubleheader at Fitzpatrick Park. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 PM.