This weekend's meetings will be the first match ups of WKU against Delaware and George Washington in program history. The series between the ETSU Buccaneers and Hilltoppers is tied one apiece, while WKU holds the 3-0 upper edge against Campbell. The third Power 5 opponent this season and first from the SEC, South Carolina and the Tops have met twice, both games going to the Gamecocks.
The Hilltoppers got great hits off of tough teams in Florida at The Spring Games last weekend. Facing two teams in the top-50 RPI, senior Brylee Hage gained a hit in all five games for the Hilltoppers last week, including a perfect three-for-three at the plate against Minnesota Friday morning. The center-fielder is tied with catcher Randi Drinnon leading the Red and White with a .500 batting average thus far in the season.
WKU's roster features two fifth-year seniors, Taylor Davis and transfer Faith Hegh for the 2023 season. As well as four seniors: Katie Gardner, Brylee Hage, Taylor Sanders, and TJ Webster, who have all elected to return to The Hill with fifth-year eligibility. Additionally, the Hilltoppers see six returners from the C-USA Tournament Championship game, as well as adding six freshmen and Auburn transfer Kelsey Schmidt.
Streaming will be available only for the Hilltopper's Sunday match up with South Carolina. The game will be broadcast on SECN+.
GAMES 1-5
WKU (1-4) vs. Delaware (4-1)
Carolina Softball Stadium at Backham Field | Columbia, S.C.
Livestats
Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 | 9 a.m. CT
WKU vs. East Tennessee (0-3)
Livestats
Friday, Feb. 1, 2022 | 1:30 a.m. CT
WKU vs. George Washington (2-1)
Livestats
Saturday, Feb. 18, 2022 | 4:30 p.m. CT
WKU vs. Campbell (2-2)
Livestats
Sunday, Feb. 19, 2022 | 11:30 a.m. CT
WKU at South Carolina (2-1)
Watch: SECN+ | Livestats
Sunday, Feb. 19, 2022 | 2 p.m. CT
TOP STORYLINES
- WKU Softball has never met Delaware or George Washington. The Red and White are tied 1-1 in the series with ETSU, lead 3-0 against Campbell, and are down 0-2 with the series against South Carolina.
- The Hilltoppers will face six Power Five teams in seven games this season. The Tops saw Minnesota and Michigan last weekend, South Carolina will be the first from the SEC.
- Head coach Amy Tudor is 10 wins away from her career 500-win mark. She owns 273 of those wins as the head coach at WKU.
- On the stat sheet, senior Brylee Hage leads with nine hits, three RBI, 12 total bases, the only triple thus far in the season, with a .500 batting average. Catcher Randi Drinnon follows with a .700 slugging percentage, five hits, three RBI, and tied with a .500 batting average at the plate.
- The Hilltoppers ended the 2022 season collectively with 38 home runs, 240 RBI, and a .303 batting average from the dugout.
- In the Conference USA Preseason Coaches Poll, the Hilltoppers were predicted to finish second in C-USA, while fifth-year outfielder Taylor Davis was named to the Preseason All-Conference team.
How to Follow Hilltopper Softball: For complete information on WKU Softball, follow the team on Twitter at @WKUSoftball, Instagram @WKU_Softball and Facebook/WKUSoftball.
