BECKLEY, W.Va. — WVU Tech softball split a River States Conference doubleheader with Brescia on Saturday at Fitzpatrick Park, falling 4-2 in the opener before responding with a 12-4 walk-off win in six innings in game two. The Golden Bears now stand 9-27 overall and 7-25 in conference play.
Game 1
Brescia 4, WVU Tech 2
WVU Tech stayed in a tight battle throughout the opener and matched Brescia with six hits while continuing to create pressure on the bases.
The Golden Bears answered immediately in the bottom of the first. Peyton Hudnall opened the inning with a bunt single, stole second and moved to third before scoring on Olivia Barnett's sacrifice bunt to tie the game at 1-1.
Tech continued to battle as Hailea Skeens collected two hits, Kaylee Waddell doubled in the third and Mia Valenzuela added a seventh-inning single before racing home on a late defensive miscue to account for the final run.
In the circle, Taylor Scott delivered another complete-game effort for the Golden Bears. Scott worked all 7.0 innings, allowed four runs with only two earned and struck out four while keeping Tech within striking distance throughout the afternoon.
Golden Bear Highlights
Game 2
WVU Tech 12, Brescia 4 (6 inn.)
WVU Tech answered in a big way in game two, erupting for eight runs over the first two innings and never looking back.
The Golden Bears broke the game open with a five-run first. Hudnall reached on an error, Tori Wells singled, Ashleigh James drove in a run on a fielder's choice, Mia Valenzuela followed with a sacrifice fly and Meghan Gill added an RBI single before Chloe Bert ripped a two-run triple to center.
Tech kept rolling in the second. Skeens and Barnett singled ahead of Wells, and the Golden Bears used a passed ball, a Valenzuela RBI groundout and another RBI single from Gill to push the lead to 8-0. WVU Tech added one run in the third, one in the fifth and two more in the sixth to seal the Senior Day victory.
Wells led the offense with a 3-for-3 day, while Skeens scored three times and Gill contributed two hits and two RBIs. Bert drove in three runs, and the Golden Bears finished with 11 hits and 10 RBIs.
Gill earned the win in the circle, working 4.1 innings and allowing three runs while navigating five walks. Scott came on in relief and closed out the final 1.2 innings, allowing one run and striking out two to help secure the split.
Golden Bear Highlights
- Tori Wells: 3-for-3, RBI, 2 runs scored, walk
- Hailea Skeens: 2-for-4, 3 runs scored, stolen base
- Meghan Gill: 2-for-3, 2 RBIs, run scored, stolen base, win
- Chloe Bert: 1-for-3, triple, 3 RBIs, walk
- Ashleigh James: 2 RBIs
- Mia Valenzuela: 2 RBIs
- Taylor Scott: 1-for-1, run scored, 1.2 IP, 2 strikeouts
Season Leaders
Through 35 games, Hailea Skeens leads WVU Tech with a .435 batting average, totaling 47 hits, nine doubles and 26 runs scored. Olivia Barnett has recorded 40 hits, including 10 doubles, three triples and two home runs with a team-best 21 RBIs.
Peyton Hudnall has added 28 hits, 21 runs scored and 13 stolen bases, while Tori Wells has contributed 28 hits, 16 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Kaylee Waddell now has 17 hits and 10 RBIs on the season.
In the circle, Taylor Scott has logged 112.0 innings with 43 strikeouts and 16 complete games, while Meghan Gill has thrown 100.0 innings with 24 strikeouts and 11 complete games. As a team, WVU Tech owns a 6.29 ERA and a 2.09 WHIP.
What's Next
WVU Tech returns to action Thursday, April 24, hosting Kentucky Christian for a River States Conference doubleheader at Fitzpatrick Park. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 PM, followed by game two at 5:00 PM.
