Western Kentucky University softball lost to Delaware by a score of 4-2 on Friday at the Delaware Softball Diamond. The Hilltoppers, who are now 36-12 overall and 18-8 in Conference USA, out-hit the Blue Hens for the second consecutive game but were unable to secure a win.
The result is significant as it affects WKU’s standing in conference play heading into their final regular-season game. Both teams are competing for strong positions as they approach postseason tournaments.
WKU took an early lead in the first inning when Lauren Satterly hit a double and was brought home by Morgan Sharpe’s single to center field. Sharpe later advanced on a passed ball, followed by Annie White’s single that moved her to third base. White then stole second, putting two runners in scoring position before Kendle White drove in another run with a double.
Delaware responded with three runs in the second inning and added one more in the fifth. All but one of WKU’s starting nine players recorded at least one hit during the game, with Sharpe and White leading offensively by each collecting two hits and accounting for both of WKU’s runs batted in. The team also recorded four stolen bases, tying their third-highest total this season.
Pitcher Rylan Smith started for WKU and tallied four strikeouts over five innings, while Maddy Wood pitched the final inning and struck out two batters.
WKU will conclude its regular-season conference schedule against Delaware on Saturday, May 2. The first pitch is set for 2 p.m. Central Time and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
