WKU Softball earned its fifth Conference USA series win of the season on Apr. 17, defeating UTEP in a doubleheader at home with scores of 9-0 and 7-1.
The victories improved the Hilltoppers’ record to 32-10 overall and 14-6 in conference play. The team remains strong at home, now holding a 22-1 record for the season. WKU scored a total of 16 runs across both games, hitting three home runs in Game One and adding a grand slam by Maci Masters in Game Two.
In pitching performances, Erica Houge allowed only two hits during the first game while Rylan Smith recorded ten strikeouts in the second game. Kendle White started Game One with her fourth leadoff home run this year, while Annie White contributed significantly throughout both games including her eleventh homer of the season.
Head coach Amy Tudor said, “I thought we did a great job on all three parts of the game today. We threw it well, we fielded it well, and obviously we hit the ball a long ways. I’m really proud of how we came out and I’m really proud that all of these fans came out to support us. So it was fun to play today.” Tudor also said, “We’re getting production all over the lineup, and I thought Erica and Rylan held it down well in the circle, so that’s been great. We’ve also had some good defensive plays, and I think fans come for the strikeouts and long balls, and we provided that today.”
WKU’s offense saw home runs from Kendle White, Annie White, Morgan Sharpe, and Maci Masters across both games. The team now has 55 home runs this season and is ranked among the top 50 nationally in total home runs. Annie White leads both WKU and Conference USA with 44 runs batted in (RBI) this season.
The Hilltoppers will conclude their three-game series against UTEP on Sunday, April 19 at 11 a.m.
