The Hilltoppers are coming off of a thrilling weekend in Bowling Green after sweeping their CUSA series against FIU, all in walk-off fashion. Randi Drinnon's first career grand slam highlighted the Tops' 8-0 run-rule on Friday, while freshman Annie White hit her first collegiate career home run in the bottom of the seventh to walk-off FIU on Sunday. Katie Gardner picked up her fourth complete-game shutout over the weekend, and Cheyanne Sales accumulated eight RBIs with a double and a home run from the batter's box through three games. Sales was named CUSA's Player of the Week on Monday.
The Tops picked up their fifth straight win with a run-rule, 9-0 ballgame against Morehead State during the week, which Rylan Smith held the Eagles to just a single hit while retiring five at the plate.
Leading CUSA in pitching ERA, LA Tech is 20-5 on the season and is even with the Tops at a 5-1 conference mark. The Bulldogs have picked up CUSA series wins over Sam Houston and Middle Tennessee, while earning marquee wins this year against [RV] San Diego State, Illinois, and [RV] Louisiana. LA Tech currently owns the highest RPI of the league so far in the season.
All three games will be broadcast on ESPN+ through the weekend, with Malcolm Butler on the call. Livestats and in-game coverage on WKU Softball's social media channels are also available.
GAMES 29-31
WKU (19-8-1) vs. LA Tech (20-5) – Game 1
Dr. Billy Bunrick Field
Watch | Livestats
Friday, Mar. 22, 2024 | 6 p.m. CT
WKU vs. LA Tech – Game 2
Dr. Billy Bunrick Field
Watch | Livestats
Saturday, Mar. 23, 2024 | 2 p.m. CT
WKU vs. LA Tech – Game 3
Dr. Billy Bunrick Field
Watch | Livestats
Sunday, Mar. 24, 2024 | 12 p.m. CT
TOP STORYLINES
- Long time conference opponents, LA Tech leads the all-time series with the Hilltoppers, 10-7.
- The last time the Tops and Bulldogs played a series in Ruston on LA Tech's home turf was back in 2001.
- Freshman Morgan Sharpe is leading the league with a .467 batting average, picking up 42 hits in total.
- Fifth-year right-hander Katie Gardner is atop of the pitching staff with a 1.67 ERA. Freshman Rylan Smith leads with 65 strikeouts.
- First in CUSA with a team .331 batting average, the Tops have produced 154 runs off of 234 hits this season. The Hilltopper pitching staff is collectively working with a 2.28 ERA and has dealt out 142 strikeouts at the plate.
- 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.
