PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — WVU Tech softball closed out its 2026 season Saturday on the road, battling through a River States Conference doubleheader at Shawnee State. The Golden Bears dropped game one 11-6 before a tightly contested 5-4 finish in the finale, ending the year at 9-31 overall and 7-29 in conference play.
Game 1
Shawnee State 11, WVU Tech 6
WVU Tech delivered one of its strongest offensive stretches of the day in the opener, finishing with 11 hits and a five-run sixth inning that briefly put the Golden Bears in front.
After trailing 5-1, Tech erupted in the sixth. Meghan Gill doubled to start the rally, Mia Valenzuela followed with a single, and Chloe Bert drove in a run. Peyton Hudnall added an RBI single, and Hailea Skeens capped the inning with a two-run triple to give WVU Tech a 6-5 lead.
Skeens led the offense with a 3-for-4 performance, while Hudnall and Olivia Barnett each added two hits. Gill also contributed a pair of hits as the Golden Bears produced consistent contact throughout the lineup.
In the circle, Taylor Scott worked all 6.0 innings, continuing her role as a steady presence for the staff. She navigated multiple high-traffic innings and kept Tech within reach long enough for the offense to respond with its big sixth inning push.
Golden Bear Highlights
- Hailea Skeens: 3-for-4, double, triple, 2 RBIs
- Peyton Hudnall: 2-for-4, RBI, run scored
- Olivia Barnett: 2-for-4, double, RBI
- Meghan Gill: 2-for-4, double, run scored, stolen base
- Chloe Bert: 1-for-3, RBI, run scored
- Taylor Scott: 6.0 IP
Game 2
Shawnee State 5, WVU Tech 4
The Golden Bears closed the season with a competitive, back-and-forth battle, staying within one run throughout the late innings.
WVU Tech struck first in the opening inning when Peyton Hudnall worked a leadoff walk, stole second, and scored on a sacrifice fly from Tori Wells.
After Shawnee State moved ahead, Tech continued to apply pressure late. In the sixth, Hailea Skeens and Olivia Barnett recorded back-to-back singles before Meghan Gill drove in a run to cut the deficit. In the seventh, Kaylee Waddell reached and Chloe Bert delivered an RBI single, later scoring on an error to bring Tech within one.
Skeens and Barnett each recorded two hits to lead the offense, while Bert drove in a run and scored. The Golden Bears finished with six hits and forced defensive pressure in the final inning.
Barnett started in the circle and worked 3.2 innings, striking out one while battling through key moments. Gill entered in relief and delivered 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing no hits and helping keep the game within reach down the stretch.
Golden Bear Highlights
Season Leaders
Through 40 games, Hailea Skeens led WVU Tech with a .441 batting average, totaling 56 hits, 10 doubles and 19 RBIs. Olivia Barnett added 48 hits, including 12 doubles, three triples and two home runs with a team-best 22 RBIs.
Peyton Hudnall recorded 32 hits, 25 runs scored and 16 stolen bases, while Tori Wells contributed 33 hits, 18 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Kaylee Waddell added 17 hits and 15 stolen bases, helping pace one of the top base-stealing teams in the conference.
In the circle, Taylor Scott logged 123.2 innings with 48 strikeouts and 17 complete games, while Meghan Gill added 112.2 innings with 25 strikeouts and 11 complete games. As a team, WVU Tech posted a 6.41 ERA and a 2.12 WHIP.
Season Wrap-Up
WVU Tech closed the season with nine wins, including conference victories over IU Columbus, Brescia, Shawnee State and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The Golden Bears showed continued growth at the plate, finishing with 269 hits, 84 stolen bases and steady contributions throughout the lineup.
The season featured consistent offensive leaders in Skeens and Barnett, while multiple players contributed across the lineup and on the bases. In the circle, Scott and Gill combined to carry the majority of innings, providing experience and stability throughout the spring.
With a mix of returning production and valuable experience gained across the roster, WVU Tech closes the season with a foundation to build on moving forward.
