Institute, W. Va. -- West Virginia State dropped both games of a Mountain East Conference doubleheader against West Liberty on Saturday at the WLU Softball Complex.
In Game 1, West Virginia State fell 10-2 in five innings. Autumn Hall provided the Yellow Jackets' only runs with a solo home run in the second inning and scored again in the fourth on a triple by Sydney Shamblin. WVSU totaled seven hits, including a double by Kylie Price and two singles from Kerigan Moore. Hall took the loss in the circle, allowing six earned runs in two innings before Kelley Bickers pitched the final 2.2 innings.

West Liberty scored three runs in the second and four in the third, highlighted by a two-run homer from Sydney Simon and a three-run home run by Imani McKee in the fifth to invoke the run rule. Madyson Angus earned the win for the Hilltoppers, allowing two earned runs on seven hits over five innings.

In Game 2, West Virginia State was shut out 5-0. Despite collecting eight hits, the Yellow Jackets left six runners on base and grounded into two double plays. Autumn Hall and Chloe Treadway each had two hits, while Emma Pauley added a double. WVSU's best scoring opportunity came in the first inning with two on and one out, but a double play ended the threat.

Alex Hill started in the circle and took the loss, surrendering one run in two innings. Kaleigh Murphy pitched four innings in relief and allowed four runs, only one of which was earned. West Liberty scored single runs in the second and fourth and added three unearned runs in the fifth. Pitcher Kaitlyn Pettit earned the complete game win for the Hilltoppers, striking out three and allowing no walks.

Following the sweep, West Virginia State fell to 10-13 overall and 2-6 in MEC play. The Lady Jackets will have two more opportunities to bounce back Wednesday, against the Charleston Golden Eagles.