Last weekend, right-hander Katie Gardner was hot in the circle as she didn't allow a single walk in her two complete games Friday and Sunday against Middle Tennessee for the first time in her career. The Tops swept the Blue Raiders for their third consecutive home series sweep, while picking up their ninth shutout of the season on Sunday. Cheyanne Sales hit WKU's 33rd home run on the year in Friday's 6-2 victory as Taylor Sanders totaled five RBIs over the weekend against MTSU. TJ Webster was named the CUSA Player of the Week for going 7-for-9 over the weekend in multi-hit games through the series.
The Gamecocks are 9-9 in Conference USA, posting a 20-25 overall record in 2024. Jax State picked up series wins over Middle Tennessee, UTEP, NM State, and FIU in their first season in the league. Emma Jones-Hubbard and Lindsay Richardson are leading JSU, both with a .324 batting average at the plate as they are seventh in CUSA in team batting (.264). Sarah Currie is the leader of the JSU pitching staff with a 2.98 ERA and 42 strikeouts.
All three games will be broadcast on ESPN+ with Patrick Williams on the call. Livestats and in-game coverage on WKU Softball's social media channels are also available.
GAMES 46-48
WKU (28-16-1) vs. Jax State (20-25) – Game 1
Jana McGinnis Field
Watch | Livestats
Friday, Apr. 26, 2024 | 6 p.m. CT
WKU vs. Jax State – Game 2
Jana McGinnis Field
Watch | Livestats
Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024 | 1 p.m. CT
WKU vs. Jax State – Game 3
Jana McGinnis Field
Watch | Livestats
Sunday, Apr. 28, 2024 | 1 p.m. CT
TOP STORYLINES
- Jax State leads the all-time series at 3-2. The Tops last saw the Gamecocks last season in non-conference action at the WKU Hilltopper Classic. JSU defeated the Tops, 4-3, back in 2023.
- TJ Webster leads CUSA with a .416 batting average, and second with 52 hits along with teammate Morgan Sharpe. Taylor Sanders is atop of Conference USA in slugging, hitting .803 with 15 home runs on the season.
- Right-hander Katie Gardner is atop of the WKU pitching staff and fourth in CUSA with a 2.40 ERA. She owns 105 strikeouts on the season.
- First in CUSA with a team .305 batting average, the Tops have produced 215 runs off of 340 hits this season. The Hilltopper pitching staff is collectively working with a 3.34 ERA and has dealt out 228 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.
