In the top of the fourth inning, Faith Hegh knocked in a double hitting the right field wall – now tied with the program record for most doubles in a single season from the WKU dugout, standing at 19.
WKU 7, FIU 4
Under overcast conditions, the Panthers got moving quickly and plated four on the Hilltoppers in the bottom opening frame with a WKU error and RBI double into right-center.
The Hilltoppers jumped back into the top of the third inning. After loading the bases with no outs, catcher Randi Drinnon stuck a two-run double into left-center field before outfielder Brylee Hage singled to left to make it a one-run game.
In a four-hit inning for the Tops, WKU made their comeback with a Taylor Davis single through the left side to score designated hitter Kaytlan Kemp. With a throw down to second base to catch Davis stealing, Faith Hegh took off from third base to slide into home plate safe for the 5-4 lead.
Bringing in insurance runs, WKU capped off two more over the plate with a sacrifice-fly from Faith Hegh and Davis' third hit of the day with an RBI double down the left field line for the final.
In the circle, Kelsie Houchens got the start and gave up four runs and three hits with a strikeout in the first inning. Coming into relief, Katie Gardner pitched the rest of the ballgame giving up only four hits, recording three strikeouts, and giving up four walks.
WKU is back for senior weekend and the final regular-season series on The Hill against LA Tech, May 5-7 at the WKU Softball Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on Friday.
TOP STORYLINES
- In the series, WKU holds the lead with 38-36 all-time, having won the last 11 of 13 contests between the two.
- Head coach Amy Tudor earned her career 500-win mark in the Tops 9-0 win over Evansville. She is 516 all-time, while 299 as WKU's head coach.
- On the stat sheet, Faith Hegh is leading the Tops with a .395 batting average, while also owning 58 hits. Taylor Sanders leads with 39 RBIs and nine home runs and while Taylor Davis has 56 hits and stolen 18 bases.
- The Hilltoppers collectively hold 365 hits, 196 RBIs, a .291 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.
