WKU defeats Murray State in extra innings

Austin Lanter

It took an extra inning on Wednesday, but the WKU Lady Topper Softball team went on the road to defeat in-state opponent Murray State 3-2 and earn its 20th win of the season.

It was the second extra inning game for the Lady Toppers (20-10-1) this season and in both instances they have come out on top.

The Lady Toppers opened the scoring Wednesday in the second inning courtesy of a double to left field by junior catcher Jacqueline McGill.

WKU doubled its lead the next inning. With two outs and a runner on base, senior outfielder Kelsie Mattox hit her own double down the left field line to score junior infielder Preslie Cruce, who was walked to lead off the inning.

The Racers were kept off the board until the sixth inning. Down 2-0, Murray State scored two runs on two hits in the inning to tie the game headed to the final inning.

The two runs scored by Murray State in the inning were the first runs allowed in over 25 innings for senior pitcher Emily Rousseau, who threw a no-hitter against Troy her last time out.

Neither team was able to plate a run in the seventh inning sending the game to extras.

With one out in the eighth frame, Mattox delivered for the Lady Toppers again with a sacrifice fly to center field to plate the go ahead and ultimately game-winning run.

Rousseau threw her third complete game since Saturday in the victory. In eight innings of work she allowed five hits, two runs, one walk, and struck out eight batters. She is now 11-7 on the season.

WKU will be back in action this weekend as the team travels to Arlington, Texas, for a three game series with Sun Belt opponent UT Arlington (14-18, 0-3 SBC). The Lady Toppers began their Sun Belt Conference title defense over the weekend with a sweep of Troy and are a perfect 3-0 in conference play currently.