OAKLAND CITY, Ind. — WVU Tech softball continued River States Conference play Friday on the road, facing Oakland City University in a doubleheader at EGGSL Field. The Golden Bears fell 14-0 in five innings in the opener and 8-1 in game two. WVU Tech now stands 7-21 overall and 5-19 in conference play.
Game 1
Oakland City 14, WVU Tech 0 (5 Inn.)
WVU Tech put runners on early in the opener and collected four hits against an Oakland City team that entered the day 28-11 overall.
Hailea Skeens and Olivia Barnett both singled in the first inning, while Mallie Lawson recorded a two-hit game to lead the Golden Bears offensively. Lawson singled in both the second and fifth innings, accounting for half of Tech's hits in the contest.
In the circle, Meghan Gill started the game and Olivia Barnett closed out the final two outs. Barnett worked a clean 0.2 innings in relief as the Golden Bears continued to battle through the final frame.
Golden Bear Highlights
Game 2
Oakland City 8, WVU Tech 1
WVU Tech answered with a stronger effort in game two, holding Oakland City scoreless through the first inning before breaking through in the fourth.
Tori Wells sparked the scoring chance with a triple to right field, and Mia Valenzuela followed with an RBI groundout to bring Tech within 2-1. Ashleigh James added a single later in the inning, while Olivia Barnett also reached base and finished with a hit and a walk.
Taylor Scott went the distance in the circle for the Golden Bears, pitching 6.0 innings and striking out four. Wells accounted for Tech's lone extra-base hit, and Kaylee Waddell added another stolen base as WVU Tech continued to apply pressure on the bases.
Golden Bear Highlights
Season Leaders
Through 28 games, Olivia Barnett leads WVU Tech with a .429 batting average, 36 hits, 10 doubles, three triples, two home runs and a team-best 18 RBIs. Hailea Skeens is batting .407 with 35 hits, nine doubles, 15 RBIs and 20 runs scored, while Peyton Hudnall has added 22 hits, 17 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. Tori Wells has contributed 23 hits, 13 RBIs and nine stolen bases, and Kaylee Waddell has recorded 14 hits, nine RBIs and nine stolen bases.
In the circle, Taylor Scott has logged 90.2 innings with 35 strikeouts and 12 complete games, while Meghan Gill has thrown 83.0 innings with 18 strikeouts and nine complete games. As a team, WVU Tech owns a 5.56 ERA and a 1.97 WHIP.
What's Next
WVU Tech returns to action Saturday, April 11, for a River States Conference doubleheader at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM, followed by game two at 2:00 PM.
