"We came out with energy and made the necessary adjustments to win the game," opened head coach Amy Tudor. "We executed our short game and ran the bases well. Overall, a great team effort and response."
WKU improves to 17-9 overall with the win while Belmont moves to 11-21 on the season. The Hilltoppers now own a 31-1 lead in the all-time series against BU.
Before the Hilltoppers ever took the field to play defense, they already owned a 3-0 lead. Taylor Davis and Hage each connected for first inning base hits while Paige Carter, Princess Valencia and Jordan Ridge all earned a free pass on base.
Kelsey Aikey drew the start in the circle for the Hilltoppers and would work 3.0+ innings while striking out six Bruins before giving way to Gardner. Aikey's six strikeouts brings her to 546 across her career and with 17 more she'll take over as the Hilltoppers' career strikeouts leader.
Gardner relieved Aikey in the bottom of the fourth and worked the final four frames while not allowing a hit or run to the Bruins. She also struck out four Belmont batters.
After Belmont plated its two scores in the bottom of the third to pull within one, WKU responded in its next trip to the plate with three more runs. Webster led off the top of the fourth with a walk before Carter, Davis and Sullivan would each follow with hits to push the Tops' lead to 6-2.
Jordan Ridge added the final tally with a leadoff home run in the top of the seventh, connecting with the second pitch of the at bat to make the score 7-2.
Davis delivered two hits while scoring two runs, joining Hage with a multi-hit performance. Sullivan and Ridge each drove in two runs for the Red and White as well.
The Hilltoppers are now 2-1 in midweek contests this season, also downing No. 7 Kentucky. WKU will close out midweek action next Wednesday as Tennessee Tech comes to town.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
- Friday, April 23 – 6 p.m. CT vs. Charlotte | Bowling Green, Ky.
- Saturday, April 24 – 1 & 4 p.m. CT vs. Charlotte | Bowling Green, Ky.
- Sunday, April 25 – 1 p.m. Ct vs. Charlotte | Bowling Green, Ky.
How to Follow the Hilltoppers: For complete information on WKU Softball, follow the team on Twitter at @WKUSoftball, Instagram @WKU_Softball and Facebook /WKUSoftball
