By Kendrick Jackson, Advertising Manager
The West Liberty softball team will travel today, April 5, and tomorrow, April 6, for two inner-conference away games against UVa-Wise and Concord University. Two wins here will move the Lady Hilltoppers towards the middle of the Mountain East Conference (MEC).
As of April 2, WLU softball is currently sitting at .500-percent for the season with a 10-10 record. However, due to a 4-6 conference record, the Lady Hilltoppers currently sit at the bottom of the MEC conference North Division.
In his second year and second stint as head coach of the WLU softball team, Herb Minch, and his Lady Hilltoppers, have almost matched last season’s number of wins (15) with less than half of the season completed. West Liberty is on pace to amass over 20 wins this season, which is something that has not happened since Minch’s first stint with the Black and Gold.
Katie Beeman, a freshman outfielder, has had an instant impact on the field. As of April 2, Beeman has 14 runs for seasons, including two home runs, and is batting a solid .290 at the plate. Beeman has also played in every game and started in 21 of the 22.
Today, the Black and Gold’s first opponent are the Cavs of UVa-Wise. As of April 2, the Cavs have a record of 17-11, but have been mediocre in conference play with a .500-percent record.
Last season, UVa-Wise finished the year with one of the best records in the MEC. Senior third baseman, Samantha Ely, has produced another impactful season thus far. As of April 2, Ely has 18 runs for the seasons, including three home runs, with a good batting average of .321. Ely has also been unselfish during the 2017-2018 season with 13 runs batted in.
Moving to Friday’s action, the Lady Hilltoppers will visit Mountain Lions of Concord University. As of April 2, the Mountain Lions are currently 10-12 overall with a 7-5 conference record. WLU will be Concord’s third and fourth games of their six-game home stand.
Sophomore second baseman and shortstop, Jenna Witt, has been impactful in her second season as a Mountain Lion. As of April 2, Witt has produced a phenomenal batting average of .437. This includes 13 runs and five home runs for the year thus far.
Thursday’s games against UVa-Wise will be played at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., while Friday’s games against Concord will be played at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Photo Credit: Kelsi Johnson
