WKU Softball is seeking another Conference USA series win at conference-rival Middle Tennessee State University April 11-13.
The Hilltoppers were successful in their most recent pair of conference series. They took two wins against Louisiana Tech at home March 28 and 29 and went 2-1 at Kennesaw State April 4 and 5.
WKU’s pitching staff paved the way for the team’s recent victories. In the recent pair of CUSA series, sophomore Rylan Smith combined for 16 strikeouts. Freshman Erica Houge has also become a vital player for the Hilltoppers. She combined for four strikeouts in WKU’s series at KSU and was named CUSA Freshman of the Week.
MTSU is tied for sixth in CUSA. The Blue Raiders come into the series with a 19-21 overall record and a 7-8 conference record. Their 6-3 home win over Lipscomb on April 9 extended their home record to 11-2.
MTSU holds a 22-game home-run streak, which is the longest home-run streak in the NCAA. The Blue Raiders’ 48 home runs this season have already broken their program’s single-season home-run record.
Freshman infielder Jana Want leads the way for MTSU offensively with a .394 batting average, .531 on-base percentage and 30 runs scored. Not far behind is catcher/first baseman Ansley Blevins. She leads the Blue Raiders in RBIs with 33 and home runs with 13.
The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. Friday, April 11.
Sports Reporter Adrianna Lein can be reached at adrianna.lein265@topper.wku.edu.
