On the series, WKU registered a collective .429 slugging percentage while adding 10 walks, three hit by pitches, two sac flies and five sac hits. As a team, WKU posted a .329 on-base percentage led by Brittany Vaughn's .700 clip. Vaughn went 1-for-3 on the series while adding three walks, three hit by pitches and a sac fly.
In the 49ers' first trip to the plate in Saturday's finale, the home squad put two runners on before the Hilltoppers recorded an out on a sacrifice bunt. With two outs, Charlotte loaded the bases after a walk but WKU was able to get back to the dugout unscathed thanks to Kelsey Aikey's first strike out of the day.
Charlotte registered the game's first run for the first time in the weekend series as the 49ers combined a double, sacrifice bunt and single through the left side to get on the scoreboard. The hosts added a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth to extend their lead to 3-0.
WKU broke up Charlotte pitcher Haley Wiseman's no-hit bid with two outs in the top of the sixth inning as Jordan Vorbrink singled to centerfield. Tommi Stowers added the Hilltoppers' second hit of the day in a pinch-hit appearance in the seventh inning.
Aikey took the decision after tossing 4.1 innings. Charlotte posted three earned runs on eight hits while Aikey struck out a pair while throwing 75 pitches. Shelby Nunn closed the final 1.2 innings in from the Sue M. Daughtridge Stadium while allowing just one hit and one walk while picking up a strikeout.
Next up, WKU will head to Murray, Ky., for a non-conference tilt at Murray State on Wednesday, April 4. First pitch against the Racers is slated for 5 p.m. CT.
TOPPER NOTES:
- Jordan Thomas continued her leadoff dominance and is now 25-for-47 in leadoff opportunities for a .532 OBP.
- WKU moved to 8-5 all-time against Charlotte with the doubleheader sweep. The Hilltoppers are now 3-3 when playing in Charlotte.
- Brittany Vaughn stole her team-leading 13th base of the season and has yet to be caught. Jordan Vorbrink also swiped a bag for her second of the year while WKU moved to 47-for-56 on the base paths.
How to Follow the Hilltoppers: For complete information on WKU Softball, follow the team on Twitter at @WKUSoftball, Instagram @WKU_Softball and Facebook /WKUSoftball.
