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WKU Softball prepares for MUSB Invitational

Adrianna Lein, Sports Reporter
February 12, 2026
Eli Randolph
WKU right handed pitcher Rylan Smith (17) pitches the ball during WKU Softball’s game against the University of Louisville Cardinals in Bowling Green, Ky. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

WKU Softball looks to continue its piping hot start to the 2026 season, competing in the Mercer University Softball Invitational Feb. 13-15.

Last weekend, the Hilltoppers posted their best season-opening record since 2021, going 4-1. WKU secured two wins over Eastern Illinois and one over the University of North Carolina Greensboro and Georgia Southern.

WKU’s pitching staff paved the way for last weekend’s success. Sophomore right-hander Erica Houge led the Hilltoppers in the circle, posting an unfathomable 0.00 ERA and 16 strikeouts through 17 innings. Her stellar performance earned her the Conference USA Pitcher of the Week.

The Hilltoppers hit .244 during their season-opening weekend. Junior infielder Annie White led the way, hitting .417. Not far behind are sophomore infielder Charlotte Herron, junior infielder Morgan Sharpe and outfielder Kennedy Stinson, all of whom hit over .300.

The Hilltoppers will compete against Army on Friday and Sunday morning, Mercer on Friday and Saturday afternoon and Iowa on Saturday morning in the MUSB Invitational.

About the Contributors
Adrianna Lein
Adrianna Lein, Sports Reporter
Adrianna Lein is a sports reporter for the Herald.
Eli Randolph
Eli Randolph, Photo Editor
Eli Randolph is the Photo Editor for the Herald. Randolph is in his fourth year on the hill and is majoring in Photojournalism with a minor in entrepreneurship. Bowling Green and the Herald quickly became a second home for him after moving from Murfreesboro, Tennessee and this is his second semester on the Herald staff.