WKU Softball started off its 2026 home schedule on the right foot, sweeping the four-game Hilltopper Classic Feb. 20 and 21.
The Hilltoppers were hard to contain offensively, outscoring their opponents 33-7. They scored multiple runs in the opening frame in three of the four games. WKU’s pitching staff also put on a show, posting a 1.75 team ERA on the weekend.
“(I’m) really proud of our pitching performance, and our hitting performance was just as equal,” Head Coach Amy Tudor said. “(I’m) really proud of their fight and how we ended the tournament.”
Day 1
The Hilltoppers started the weekend off hot with a 9-0 run-rule win over Butler and a 7-2 win over Western Michigan.
WKU’s dominance started in the circle and continued at the plate. The Hilltopper pitching staff threw two complete games and limited opponents to a .152 combined batting average.
Senior right-hander Maddy Wood got the ball rolling against Butler, which was her first shutout win of the season. The reigning Conference USA Pitcher of the Week allowed just three hits and zero earned runs in five innings of work.
Sophomore right-hander Erica Houge held down the fort against WMU. The previous CUSA Pitcher of the Week gave up only three hits and two earned runs while striking out three in seven innings against the WMU Broncos.
The Hilltoppers did not disappoint their home crowd offensively, hitting a whopping .490 on the day. Junior outfielder Kendle White led the way, posting four hits and two RBIs total. She also hit a perfect 3-3 against Butler.
Day 2
WKU swept Saturday’s competition but not without some hiccups, racking up wins over Detroit Mercy (9-1 run-rule) and WMU (8-4).
To start the day, junior right-handed pitcher Rylan Smith secured her first start and win of the season against Detroit Mercy. She limited the Titans to just two hits and one earned run and collected a weekend-high seven strikeouts. Her performance was the third and final complete game of the tournament from the WKU pitching staff.
The Hilltoppers kept their offensive momentum going in their first game Saturday, hitting .400. Three of WKU’s eight hits were home runs, contributing to five of its nine total runs.
The Hilltoppers looked comfortable early on in game two, taking a 3-0 lead after two innings. Whether it was the dropping temperatures or the fatigue of another doubleheader, WKU’s defense started to crumble in the top of the third. The Hilltoppers trailed for the first time during the weekend after three errors and a three-RBI home run in the inning.
After the defensive mishaps, Houge came in as relief in the third and settled the Hilltoppers. She kept WMU scoreless throughout the rest of the game, building momentum for WKU’s offense.
The Hilltoppers slowly but surely dug their way out of the deficit, scoring one run in both the fourth and fifth innings to retake the lead. WKU put the nail in the coffin in the sixth, scoring three runs and cementing its 8-4 victory.
“They held their composure really well. When Erica came in, that changed the momentum,” Tudor said.
Junior infielder Annie White led the Hilltoppers’ offense on Saturday, hitting 5-6 and collecting six RBIs.
WKU’s lone game on Sunday against Butler was canceled due to inclement weather.
The Hilltoppers stay home to host the Hilltopper Spring Fling Feb. 27-March 1.