LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Lady Toppers took an early lead over in-state rival Kentucky on Wednesday night but could not hold on to the lead ultimately falling to the Wildcats 9-3. With the loss, the Lady Toppers fall to 25-15 this season while Kentucky improves to 26-16.
The Lady Toppers got off to a fast start in the game scoring three runs in the top of the first inning to take a 3-0 lead after racking up three hits. Senior Lindsay Antone gave the Lady Toppers the lead after hitting her fifth home run of the season, a three-run homer to left field. Her three run home run also scored senior Jamie Hennis, who reached base off a single to left field, and senior Shannon Smith, who reached first off a fielder's choice.
WKU threatened again in the top of the third inning after posting just one hit. Freshman Ciara Garcia started the inning off for the Lady Toppers recording a walk to reach first base. After Hennis bunted to reach first, Garcia advanced to second. Both runners then advanced one base off a sacrifice bunt by Smith before the Wildcats intentionally walked Antone. With the bases loaded, the Lady Toppers weren't able to extend their lead with Kentucky recording two consecutive strikeouts to end the inning.
WKU held Kentucky hitless through two innings before the Wildcats recorded their first hit in bottom of the third inning and finished the inning with six runs off five hits. After taking a 6-3 lead, Kentucky wouldn't allow WKU to cross home plate again while scoring another one run in the fourth inning and finishing their scoring in the fifth inning with two runs.
In the game, WKU collected five hits and recorded four errors in the loss while Kentucky finished the night with 11 hits and just one error. Freshman Kim Wagner suffered the loss for the Lady Toppers pitching 0.1 innings and giving up two runs off three hits. Freshman Mallorie Sulaski started the game and went 3.2 innings giving up four hits and six runs. Sophomore Dana Nathanson also pitched in the game pitching the final two innings and giving up one run and four hits. WKU was led by Antone at the plate. She finished the night with one hit and RBI off her three run home run in the first inning.
WKU will head to Monroe, La. this weekend to take on ULM in a three game series. On Saturday, the Lady Toppers and Warhawks will play at 4 and 6 p.m. CT. Then on Sunday, they will meet at noon for the final game of the series.
