WKU Softball will host the Hilltopper Classic Feb. 23-24, its 2025 season home-opening tournament.
After sweeping their competition in the Cardinal Clash Feb. 14-16, the Hilltoppers are looking to carry momentum in front of their home crowd.
The Hilltoppers’ perfect 5-0 record at the Cardinal Clash resulted from top performances from freshman infielder Charlotte Herron, freshman utility player Macy Gregor and sophomore outfielder Kendle White.
Herron led the team in runs with six, and her two-RBI single led to WKU’s victory over tournament-host Troy University last weekend. Gregor and White tied for four runs and two RBIs each.
WKU’s competition this weekend includes Gardner-Webb and Bradley each twice.
Gardener-Webb defeated the Hilltoppers 5-4 in their last matchup in Feb. 2018. Standout Gardner-Webb players include junior infielder Ella Christopher and junior outfielder Maura Pendleton.
In 2024, Christopher scored 23 runs and led the team in RBIs with 28. Pendleton had a .214 BA and scored 14 runs last season. So far this season, Christopher leads the Runnin’ Bulldogs in BA (.611), runs (eight), home runs (four), and RBIs (16). Pendleton also holds a .500 BA and is tied for second in hits with 11.
Gardner-Webb’s record for the 2025 season is 7-3.
WKU defeated Bradley 5-1 in their last matchup in Feb. 2014. Some players to watch out for include junior utility player/pitcher Kierston McCoy and junior outfielder Lauren DeRolf.
Last season, McCoy had a BA of .255 and led the Braves in home runs with seven. DeRolf led the team in runs with 40 and had a BA of .312 in 2024. This season, McCoy leads the team in BA (.310), hits (nine) and RBIs (five). DeRolf now leads the team in at-bats with 30 and has a BA of .267.
Bradley holds a 2-8 record so far.
WKU will play Gardner-Webb Feb. 23 at 12:30 p.m. at the WKU Softball Complex to start the series.
Sports Reporter Adrianna Lein can be reached at adrianna.lein265@topper.wku.edu.
