Off the bats, the Tops first four hitters in the lineup all gained a hit on the day, while senior Brylee Hage landed herself another multi-hit game and two RBIs in the field. Second baseman Kasia Parks and designated player Kaytlan Kemp both earned a hit at the plate, as well.
WKU 4, FIU 1
After a scoreless three innings, the Tops came on the board first with an RBI single into right field off the bat of Faith Hegh, who collects RBI no. 33 on the season in four.
In the top of the fifth inning, WKU gained three in the frame. Brylee Hage kicked off with a two-run double off the right field wall, sending TJ Webster and pinch runner Addy Edgmon across the plate. Subbing in at second base, Kasia Parks collects her first hit and RBI of the season with a shot into the six-spot, and scored Brylee Hage from third base.
In the bottom half, the Panthers edged one by with an RBI triple to score.
From the bullpen, Kelsie Houchens started up in the circle for the Red and White. She worked through 4.2 innings, giving up one run off of four hits, walking one and striking out three. Katie Gardner later came in for relief, giving up only three hits and striking out two in the rest of the ballgame.
The Hilltoppers and Panthers are back at Felsburg Field for the series finale, tomorrow, April 30. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. CT.
TOP STORYLINES
- In a tight series, WKU holds the slight lead with 37-36 all-time, having won the last nine of 12 contests between the two.
- Head coach Amy Tudor earned her career 500-win mark in the Tops 9-0 win over Evansville. She is 515 all-time, while 298 as WKU's head coach.
- On the stat sheet, Faith Hegh is leading the Tops with a .389 batting average, while also owning 56 hits. Taylor Sanders leads with 39 RBIs and nine home runs and while Taylor Davis has 53 hits and stolen 18 bases.
- The Hilltoppers collectively hold 351 hits, 190 RBIs, a .287 batting average with 21 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.
