Along with three Power 5 opponents on the Tops' schedule, WKU is meeting both Army-West Point and Kansas for the first time in program history. The Hilltoppers are tied, 1-1, with Iowa and NC State in both their respective all-time series, while the Tops the hold the edge over the Bears of Missouri State, 2-1.
"We're grateful to be playing in a tournament with such high-caliber teams", head coach Amy Tudor said during her media availability on Tuesday. "We obviously respect our opponents, but we feel that we can play with our opponents. We're just trying to get the most competitive schedule for our team to be prepared for Conference USA and to get that experience – I think those are things that they remember when they are my age".
A veteran squad, WKU's roster features five fifth-year seniors in Katie Gardner, Brylee Hage, Taylor Sanders, and TJ Webster along with Bowling Green transfer Sophie Weber, while adding to true seniors Jessica Bush and Kelsey Schmidt. Adding to the Red and White are six freshman, including right-hander Rylan Smith, and a redshirt-junior with NCAA experience, Cheyanne Sales from Kennesaw State.
As the sole streaming provider, NFCA Official Sponsor GameChanger will run video livestreams for all 43 contests (six fields), through the GameChanger app (free), which you can watch on your phone, tablet and desktop. Click on the Tournament Central link below for all team links and directions on how to watch. Contests on Fields 8 & 9 will feature a multi-camera broadcast with play-by-play and analysis. All games on Fields 1-4 will have a single camera live feed through the GameChanger app. Additionally, live stats will be available for all games played at the Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex.
GAMES 1-5
WKU (0-0) vs. Missouri State (0-0)
Eddie C. Moore Complex – Field 4 | Clearwater, Florida
Watch: GameChanger | Livestats
Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 | 12 p.m. CT
WKU vs. Iowa
Field 2
Watch: GameChanger | Livestats
Friday, Feb. 8, 2024 | 3 p.m. CT
WKU vs. Army
Field 2
Watch: GameChanger | Livestats
Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 | 9 a.m. CT
WKU vs. NC State
Field 1
Watch: GameChanger | Livestats
Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 | 12 p.m. CT
WKU vs. Kansas
Field 1
Watch: GameChanger | Livestats
Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024 | 12 p.m. CT
TOP STORYLINES
- WKU Softball has faced off against Missouri State three times in program history, with the series lead going to the Toppers. WKU is tied 1-1 with both Iowa and NC State all-time, while having never met Army and Kansas in the programs' 25-year history.
- The Hilltoppers will face seven Power Five teams in nine games this season, with Iowa, NC State, and Kansas being the first three and from the Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 conferences.
- Head Coach Amy Tudor owns a 17-2 record in season-openers across her career. Tudor enters her 20th season as a head coach – 11th on The Hill – and owns a 519-401-2 career coaching record.
- WKU Softball is 15-9 in all-time season openers and 8-2 with head coach Amy Tudor at the helm.
- The Hilltoppers ended the 2023 season collectively with 23 home runs, 212 RBIs, and a .279 batting average from the batters' box.
- In the Conference USA Preseason Coaches Poll, the Hilltoppers were predicted to finish second in CUSA, while fifth-year infielders Taylor Sanders and TJ Webster along with right-hander Katie Gardner were named CUSA Preseason All-Conference.
How to Follow Hilltopper Softball: For complete information on WKU Softball, follow the team on X at @WKUSoftball, Instagram @WKU_Softball and Facebook/WKUSoftball.
