WKU softball wins series over Charlotte, 2-1

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – WKU Softball closed weekend play at Charlotte with a 3-0 loss to
the 49ers on Saturday after securing the series victory by claiming both sides of
Friday’s doubleheader. The Hilltoppers moved to 21-12 overall and 5-4 in Conference
USA action with the weekend results.

On the series, WKU registered a collective .429 slugging percentage while adding 10
walks, three hit by pitches, two sac flies and five sac hits. As a team, WKU posted
a .329 on-base percentage led by Brittany Vaughn’s .700 clip. Vaughn went 1-for-3 on
the series while adding three walks, three hit by pitches and a sac fly.

In the 49ers’ first trip to the plate in Saturday’s finale, the home squad put two
runners on before the Hilltoppers recorded an out on a sacrifice bunt. With two
outs, Charlotte loaded the bases after a walk but WKU was able to get back to the
dugout unscathed thanks to Kelsey Aikey’s first strike out of the day.

Charlotte registered the game’s first run for the first time in the weekend series
as the 49ers combined a double, sacrifice bunt and single through the left side to
get on the scoreboard. The hosts added a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth to
extend their lead to 3-0.

WKU broke up Charlotte pitcher Haley Wiseman’s no-hit bid with two outs in the top
of the sixth inning as Jordan Vorbrink singled to centerfield. Tommi Stowers added
the Hilltoppers’ second hit of the day in a pinch-hit appearance in the seventh
inning.

Aikey took the decision after tossing 4.1 innings. Charlotte posted three earned
runs on eight hits while Aikey struck out a pair while throwing 75 pitches. Shelby
Nunn closed the final 1.2 innings in from the Sue M. Daughtridge Stadium while
allowing just one hit and one walk while picking up a strikeout.

Next up, WKU will head to Murray, Ky., for a non-conference tilt at Murray State on
Wednesday, April 4. First pitch against the Racers is slated for 5 p.m. CT.

TOPPER NOTES:
* Jordan Thomas continued her leadoff dominance and is now 25-for-47 in
leadoff opportunities for a .532 OBP.

* WKU moved to 8-5 all-time against Charlotte with the doubleheader sweep.
The Hilltoppers are now 3-3 when playing in Charlotte.

* Brittany Vaughn stole her team-leading 13th base of the season and has yet
to be caught. Jordan Vorbrink also swiped a bag for her second of the year while WKU
moved to 47-for-56 on the base paths.

* Both of the Hilltoppers’ hits on the day were from the leadoff position.
WKU finished 9-for-21 in leadoff situations on the series.