WKU Softball needed just five innings to take down Eastern Kentucky 8-0 Tuesday night at the WKU Softball Complex.

The Hilltoppers’ offense was in full swing, going 12-23 at the plate and 9-17 with runners on base. Sophomore infielder Katie Murphy led WKU, hitting 2-2 and collecting two RBI and a walk.

“I thought we were pretty solid in the circle, (and we) played really good defense…it’s fun to see different people do different things every time we’re out,” Head Coach Amy Tudor said.

Sophomore right-hander Erica Houge started in the circle for the Hilltoppers, throwing four innings and allowing just two hits. She retired the Colonels in order through the first two innings, but back-to-back walks in the top of the third loaded the bases. Houge got out of the inning with a fly out to center field, stranding three EKU runners.

“She hasn’t thrown since Friday…her speed was up a little bit tonight because she hasn’t thrown, which is a good thing, but sometimes releasing it (is) a little bit off,” Tudor said about Houge’s performance.

The Hilltoppers found their rhythm offensively in the bottom of the second, exploding for two runs on four hits. WKU continued that momentum through the remainder of the game, scoring in each of the following innings.

Sophomore infielder Anna Mauck hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the fifth, and an RBI bunt from junior outfielder Kendle White secured WKU’s run-rule win.

The victory improves the Hilltoppers to 19-3 overall and extends their winning streak to 14.

“It’s fun to finally play a midweek (game),” Tudor said. “I was proud of how they came out.”

WKU will play in its second Conference USA series this weekend at Jacksonville State. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT Friday.