WKU Softball plays its final home series of the 2026 season this weekend, hosting the Kennesaw State Owls for a Conference USA showdown April 24-26.

The Hilltoppers are coming off a sweep over UTEP last weekend at the WKU Softball Complex. They outscored the Miners 24-4 over the weekend, which was highlighted by a grand slam from junior Maci Masters in game two. 

Sophomore Erica Houge and junior Rylan Smith split the weekend in the circle. Houge needed just six innings to shut out the Miners in game one, allowing two hits in six innings of work. Smith carried that momentum into game two, striking out a whopping 10 UTEP batters.

The wins improved WKU to 33-10 overall and 15-6 in CUSA. The Hilltoppers are tied with the Liberty Flames (23-23, 15-6 CUSA) for second place in conference standings.

As a team, WKU leads CUSA in batting average (.339) and ERA (2.59).

Individually, Houge leads conference pitchers with a 2.01 ERA. In batting average, redshirt senior center fielder Jenna Blanton ranks second among CUSA (.436), and junior first baseman Annie white ranks third (.429).

Kennesaw State sits last in the CUSA standings at 7-37 overall and 3-18 in conference. The Owls are coming off a 4-0 midweek loss to Georgia State and have a 12-game losing streak.

Senior infielder Macie Howes leads KSU’s offense on all fronts. She ranks first in batting average (.382), RBI (38), hits (50) and home runs (10). In the circle, the Owls are led by junior right-hander Leah Jannakos, who holds a 5.91 ERA.

WKU holds a 2-1 all-time record over KSU.

The first pitches are set for 5 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday at the WKU Softball Complex.