WEIRTON, West Virginia - After splitting with the other NCAA Division II resident of West Virginia's Northern Panhandle on Saturday, the Salem Tigers softball team spent Sunday battling with the Hilltoppers of West Liberty. The games were played on the field turf at Weirton High School in Weirton, West Virginia, but were still considered home games for the Hilltoppers. Salem opened well in both contests, but was unable to seal the deal in either. Each contest played out as follows:

West Liberty 5, Salem 2

In Game 1, the Tigers opened with back to back doubles from Ricki Garay and Meladie LaRance followed up with a single from Abigail Harki that combined for both of the Tiger's runs in the first inning. However, the offensive well ran dry for the Tigers from there. The Tiger's pitching and defensive support held tough into the 5th inning, but a late Hilltopper rally spoiled the Tigers hope's of a victory in Game 1. Speaking of the Tiger's hurlers, starter Kendall Lemly and Kayla Williams split duties in the circle for Salem today, and combined for a total of 6 strikeouts. 

West Liberty 7, Salem 1

For Game 2, Salem trailed initially, but rallied to knot the score up in the 2nd inning. Marissa Jeffery knocked a single into center field that brought home Karmen Hogan for the Tigers. It looked like the beginning of a big Tiger rally, but things seemed to fizzle out from there for Salem offensively. The Hilltoppers took control of the game in the following bottom half of the 2nd inning, and furthered their advantage in the 3rd and 4th innings on their way to the 7-1 win. In the pitcher's circle, starter Andrea Gallegos and Brooke Wise both threw well for the Tigers despite the loss.

The Tigers will need to regroup and focus up in order to turn things around in their next contests. They continue their road swing by heading up to South Euclid, Ohio to take on the Notre Dame College Falcons on Wednesday, March 20th for a doubleheader beginning at 3 PM.