WKU outscored UTEP 24-4 in an offensive onslaught that led to a three-game sweep over the Miners this weekend.

The batting performance throughout the weekend was killer. Junior first baseman Annie White set the tone for batters in game one and junior infielder Maci Masters continued it with a grand slam in the first inning of game two. 

The Hilltoppers dominated in the circle, with pitchers Erica Houge and Rylan Smith keeping Miners hitters to just seven hits over the weekend. Smith tallied 12 strikeouts in the series.

Game One 

An all-around team effort paved the way for a 9-0 run-rule win in game one. 

The Hilltoppers’ bats were on fire, led by Annie White, who went 3-4 at the plate, hitting a home run and two doubles. 

Erica Houge started for the Hilltoppers in the circle. She pitched all six innings, giving up just two hits.

Junior outfielder Kendle White started the scoring early with a home run in the first inning. White doubled to reach base and freshman infielder Lauren Satterly reached base on an error. Both scored, giving the Hilltoppers a 3-0 lead.  

Kendle White scored again on a double by redshirt senior outfielder Blanton in the second inning, extending the lead to 4-0. In the third, WKU stranded three runners after sophomore infielder Anna Mauck grounded out to first. 

Annie White added to the lead in the fifth inning with a home run, and junior infielder Morgan Sharpe hit a three-run shot in the sixth inning to clinch a run-rule win.

Game Two

WKU kept the momentum going with a 7-1 win in game two. 

Smith put together an incredible performance in the circle, totaling 10 strikeouts while surrendering only 1 run and three hits. 

The Hilltopper bats remained hot, led by Masters, who went 2-for-3 at the plate, highlighted by a grand slam in the first inning to put the Hilltoppers up 4-0. 

Kendle White and sophomore outfielder Kennedy Stinson each totaled one hit, but both were key, as they both scored runners to extend the lead to 7-1. 

Smith kept cooking, collecting four more strikeouts to cement a series win. 

Game Three

WKU finished the weekend with an 8-3 win.

The Hilltoppers shone in the circle as Houge started and Smith entered at the top of the sixth. Smith allowed zero hits and zero runs once she entered the circle. 

The Hilltoppers excelled defensively. Pitching and outfield performance were critical to the Hilltoppers’ win. Satterly’s performance helped lead the Hilltoppers to the win, with one run and two RBI. 

UTEP’s Kenna Carran hit a home run to take a 3-2 lead early in the top of the fourth off a WKU error. 

The Hilltoppers answered UTEP’s two runs with six of their own in the bottom of the fourth. A bunt by Blanton led the momentum with two runners scoring. 

The Hilltoppers continue at the WKU Softball Complex against Kennesaw State on April 24.