Most of the time softball coaches hate rainy weather. Because rain soaked the field, Western’s doubleheader against Eastern Kentucky last night was canceled.

But coach Leslie Phelan is pretty happy about it.

“I want everyone to recover,” Phelan said. “Now we have an extra day to prepare.”

The Hilltoppers are coming back from a long trip to New Mexico State where they swept their first ever series in the Sun Belt Conference.

After a dreadful opening weekend in conference play, the Toppers are in a tight race for second place, only one game out of second. Western will face Florida International at home this weekend with the Golden Panthers nipping at their heels, only one game back of Western.

“The conference is a very tight race right now,” Phelan said. “And it is a crucial weekend for us.”

Western is coming off one of its best offensive performances of the year, out hitting NMSU 41-19 for the series.

However, it may not be as easy for the Hilltoppers this weekend. Phelan said the Golden Panthers’ pitching staff will give her team a test.

Sophomore left fielder Alana Towns believes the offense will be just fine.

“I see us doing well,” Towns said. “If we continue to hit well, then we can be successful.”

Pitching will help the Toppers’ offense if they get in a jam. Senior pitcher Allison Silver has thrown her way to a 15-8 record and sophomore pitcher Adrienne Lathrop has improved to 11-7.

Reach Wess Watt at [email protected].