"We had our chances and prepared really well for them", said head coach Amy Tudor. "We played hard and it just didn't go our way today. We still took the series and I'm proud of them".
Katie Gardner and Kelsie Houchens combined for eight strikeouts, giving up eight hits for a five-run day. On the Hilltopper offense, Taylor Davis had a perfect two-for-two afternoon at the plate, while Brylee Hage also picked up an infield hit with a bunt.
WKU 1, FLORIDA ATLANTIC 5
The Owls moved on the board first with a two-run double into right-center field in the top of the fourth inning.
WKU made it a 2-1 game as second baseman Abby Newman drew a bases-loaded walk, and outfielder Taylor Davis crossed the plate.
The Owls plated three more in the fifth inning with a sacrifice-fly and RBI single down the left field line for the 5-1 final box.
In the circle, Katie Gardner is now 12-13, picking up five strikeouts and walking two, while giving up four runs off of six hits. Kelsie Houchens came in for relief in the middle of four, giving up a run, two hits, walking four, and taking care of three at the plate.
The Tops are back for their final midweek of the season, playing host to No. 12 Arkansas at the WKU Softball Complex, tomorrow evening at 6 p.m. CT.
TOP STORYLINES
- The Hilltoppers are inching towards an all-time series tie with the Owls, now standing at 28-26, FAU.
- Head coach Amy Tudor earned her career 500-win mark in the Tops 9-0 win over Evansville. She is 513 all-time, while 296 as WKU's head coach.
- On the stat sheet, Faith Hegh is leading the Tops with a .398 batting average, while also owning 53 hits. Taylor Sanders leads with 39 RBIs and nine home runs and while Taylor Davis has 49 hits and stolen 17 bases.
- The Hilltoppers collectively hold 330 hits, 183 RBIs, a .290 batting average with 20 home runs.
- 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.
