WKU Softball dropped all three games against Jacksonville State this weekend, falling to 19-6 and 3-3 in Conference USA.

The stellar offense from the Hilltoppers was nearly unrecognizable this weekend, totaling just three runs and 14 hits on the weekend.

WKU’s pitching staff had no answers for Jacksonville State batters, who tallied 20 hits and 16 runs on the weekend.

GAME ONE

It was a defensive duel on both sides until Jacksonville State exploded for four runs in the sixth inning on their way to a 4-2 win.

WKU could not get runs on the board like they have been accustomed to, leaving nine runners on base. 

The Hilltoppers’ bats stalled, finishing with just six hits on the night. Junior Annie White and Junior Morgan Sharpe combined for four of the six.

WKU finished with a .240 batting average on the day, compared to Jacksonville State’s .308 batting average.

Sophomore pitcher Erica Houge started in the circle for the Hilltoppers, before being relieved in the sixth inning by junior pitcher Rylan Smith.

It was a short break for Houge as she re-entered the game in the same inning after Smith gave up a run and put runners on second and third.

Jacksonville State figured out Houge, tallying three more runs before Houge would put the inning away.

Houge finished the night allowing four runs and six of the Gamecocks eight hits.

The Hilltoppers did all they could to extend the game in the seventh inning, earning two runs.

WKU had a chance to take a late lead with runners on second and third and junior Maci Masters at the plate in the seventh. Jacksonville State would stay composed, as Masters struck out swinging to end the game.

GAME TWO

WKU’s batting stalled again in game two, being shut out by the Gamecocks 5-0.

Senior pitcher Maddy Wood would get her first appearance on the weekend. Wood could not find her footing in the circle, allowing six hits and three runs in just an inning and a half of work.

Smith came in to relieve Wood in the second inning, quieting the bats of the Gamecocks until the fourth inning. Jacksonville State took advantage of two walks handed out by Smith to tack on two more runs after a two-run double from sophomore Kailey Martin.

The bleeding would stop after the fourth inning as Smith would not allow another hit. She finished the day with six strikeouts.

The Hilltoppers could not solve the pitching by senior Jaliyah Holmes, hitting a season-low .136 with just three hits. 

Junior Kendle White was responsible for two of WKU’s hits as sophomore Katie Murphy tallied one.

GAME THREE

WKU could not stop an offensive masterclass from Jacksonville State, dropping game three 7-1.

The Hilltoppers hit just .200 in the third game, continuing their offensive struggle on the weekend. WKU finished the day with five hits, all coming from different players. The Gamecocks finished the day hitting .269.

The Hilltoppers struggled defensively, finishing the day with three errors.

Houge would start in the circle after not pitching in game two. Houge would be relieved after three innings of work, allowing three runs and three hits. 

Smith would come in and go straight to work, holding the Gamecocks without a run until the sixth inning.

Jacksonville State’s bats would come back alive, totalling four runs and three hits in the sixth inning. The momentum kicked off due to multiple errors from WKU’s defense.

WKU showed a glimpse of hope in the fifth inning with an RBI single from redshirt senior Jenna Blanton to give the Hilltoppers their first run since game one. 

Jacksonville State would quickly put an end to the Hilltoppers’ momentum, as the pitching staff would not allow another hit.

The Hilltoppers look to get back to their winning ways Wednesday night in an in-state battle against the Louisville Cardinals.