Courtesy of WKU Athletics
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A bases-loaded RBI walk from Jordan Ridge ended up being the
difference for the Hilltoppers on Wednesday as WKU Softball became the first host to
win a game in the Conference USA Tournament since 2013. WKU downed eighth-seeded
UTSA 3-2 from the WKU Softball Complex to advance into the double-elimination
portion of the tournament bracket.
Maddie Bowlds struck for the first hit of the game with a double in the bottom of
the second but would end up stranded. An inning later, TJ Webster reached base on a
dropped third strike before stealing her way into scoring position. Next up, a Paige
Carter single to center would bring Webster home for the 1-0 Hilltopper lead.
UTSA took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth thanks to a leadoff home run, three
free bases and a sacrifice fly. Katie Gardner would relieve WKU starter Kennedy
Sullivan in the middle of the frame, limiting the Roadrunners’ damage and beginning
her superb showing.
Kendall Smith led off the bottom of the fourth with a single and moved to second on
a groundout before the Hilltoppers had first and third following a Princess Valencia
base hit. Smith would come home on a Brylee Hage hit to even the score at 2-2.
The 2-2 score would hold for three half innings until the bottom of the sixth.
Valencia led off the frame with her second hit of the game, marking her second
multi-hit outing of the season. A single from Taylor Sanders moved Valencia into
scoring position. With two outs and the top of the lineup due up, Carter drew a walk
to load the bases before Jordan Ridge waited out what would be the game-winning
bases-loaded RBI walk.
With a 3-2 lead, UTSA had three outs to work with in the top of the seventh and the
top of its order due up as well. The Roadrunners recorded a leadoff single – the
lone hit Gardner allowed in relief – but the Hilltoppers responded with
three-straight outs including back-to-back strikeouts from Gardner to secure the
win.
Gardner allowed four total bases runners in her four innings of work while striking
out six. She moved to 6-1 on the season with a victory in her first collegiate
postseason appearance.
WKU improved to 28-12 with Wednesday’s victory and extended its season by at least
two more games entering the tournament’s double-elimination portion. UTSA’s season
came to a close at 14-31.
The Hilltoppers have won 10 of their last 11 games.
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