West Liberty University baseball and softball team are gearing up for the 2021 campaign. Undoubtedly, the Hilltoppers are filled with anticipation, leaving much to address for both teams, just in time for the season’s opener this upcoming week.

While preparing for their first game against Malone University on March 2nd, the WLU baseball team is putting their difficult 2020 campaign behind them, and focusing on what lies ahead. It is no doubt that going 4-10, before the COVID-19 season cancellation, is difficult to say the least.

However, what is most intriguing about this particular Hilltoppers squad is the roster in which they are returning. With a total of twenty-one underclassmen and twenty-three upperclassmen, West Liberty is undoubtedly prepared for this year’s season, as well as the years ahead. Those highlighting the upperclassmen leadership are Graduate Students Brian Campbell and Chad Matthus, two players who will receive heavy playing time this season. Head Coach Eric Burkle looks forward to this upcoming forty game season.

The WLU softball team is just as excited about their upcoming season, as their first two games against Saginaw Valley State University and Ohio Dominican University takes place on March 5th. Although their team numbers are a bit smaller, they have just as much youth and leadership then any other team in the Mountain East Conference.

The Hilltoppers softball team features an eye popping twenty-six underclassmen, paired with seven upperclassmen. Among those seven upperclassmen are Juniors Allie Cook, Haley Collett, Kat Donzella, Mackenzie Amend, Laral Saunders, Katie Beeman, and Connor Assif. Just as the team was beginning to figure themselves out during the 2020 campaign, the COVID-19 outbreak struck, halting their season at 7-9. With the added motivation, expect Head Coach Herb Minch and the rest of the Lady Hilltoppers to open the season stronger then they have ever done before during their forty-four game season.