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EL PASO, Texas – WKU Softball's Maci Masters set two single-game program records on Saturday after Masters hit three home runs and collected a total of eight RBI to lead the Hilltoppers (15-12, 2-5 overall) to a 12-10 win over UTEP.
With her three home runs and eight total RBI, Masters set the single-game program record in both home runs and RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
WKU 12, UTEP 10
In a game that featured the most runs scored by the Tops this season, WKU weathered an aggressive UTEP (11-16 overall, 1-7 CUSA) offense--that scored every inning but the sixth--to earn the win.
Masters' first home run of the game came in the top of the second, swinging on the third pitch of her at-bat to also bring in sophomore infielder Annie White who reached earlier with a single.
With the score at 5-2 in the Miners' favor after scoring through the first three innings, the Hilltoppers sent a total of 11 to the plate. Senior catcher Randi Drinnon reached on a walk, White singled to left field, while sophomore infielder Morgan Sharpe singled to second base to set the stage for Masters.
Down 1-2 in a pitchers' count, Masters' grand slam was a no-doubter off the bat and over the center field wall. The last grand slam for WKU came on March 15, 2024, from Drinnon.
With wide open bases, freshman infielder Katie Murphy singled on a bunt with fellow first-year Macy Gregor reaching with a walk. Sophomore outfielder Kendle White played some small ball of her own, also reaching on a bunt to once again load the bases for the Hilltoppers.
Alabama native Charlotte Herron kept the RBI coming for WKU, bringing in two more with a single to right field.
Though the Hilltoppers weren't done quite yet in the fourth. Ahead 8-5, first year outfielder Kennedy Stinson brought in the ninth run of the inning with a sacrifice fly.
The Miners answered in the home half of the inning with a two-run home run to close the scoring gap, 9-7.
In the fifth, Gregor continued her offensive production with a sacrifice fly to bring WKU's total to 10. UTEP answered with another to stay within two, 10-8.
Sharpe reached thanks to a fielder's choice in the top of the sixth, as Masters hit her record-breaking third home run of the game for another two RBI to push the Hilltoppers to 12-8.
UTEP's Ajia Richard hit a two-run home run of her own in the bottom of the seventh, but sophomore right-hander Rylan Smith had no issue collecting the final three outs of the night.
HEAD COACH AMY TUDOR ON WIN AND MASTERS' PERFORMANCE
"We passed the bats well today. We had contributions from all players with Masters leading the way three home runs and eight RBI. She had an incredible day and it was great to see her setting records and helping our team win ball games. Gutsy performance today all the way around."
NOTABLES
- Maci Masters' three home runs was the first time in program history a Hilltopper has hit three home runs in one game. The last WKU player to hit multiple home runs in one game was Sophie Weber on May 9, 2024 with two.
- Maci Masters' home runs were the sixth through eighth of the season and her career.
- Seven of the nine Hilltoppers in the lineup collected at least one hit, with Masters leading with three.
- Rylan Smith collected her sixth win of the season with four strikeouts.
NEXT UP
The Hilltoppers will look to take the series against UTEP on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT.
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