INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- West Virginia State used dominant pitching and timely hitting to secure a doubleheader sweep over West Liberty on Saturday at Lady Jacket Field, taking Game 1 by a narrow margin before pulling away convincingly in Game 2.

In the opener, West Virginia State leaned on a strong complete-game performance from Kaleigh Murphy to edge West Liberty, 2-0. Murphy limited the Hilltoppers to just two hits while striking out four, keeping West Liberty off the scoreboard throughout. The Yellow Jackets broke through in the fourth inning when Cassidy Cummings launched a solo home run to center, providing the first run of the game. WVSU added an insurance run in the sixth as Autumn Hall scored on a sacrifice fly from Kylie Price. Hilltoppers got the tying tun to the plate in the top of the seventh, but were ultimately denied by Murphy and the Yellow Jackets defense.

In Game 2, West Virginia State's offense erupted early and never looked back in a 7-1 win to complete the sweep. The Yellow Jackets capitalized on defensive miscues in the third inning, plating four runs to take control of the game. Cassidy Cummings delivered a key two-RBI single in the inning, while Erica Sigmon also drove in runs as WVSU built a commanding lead. Emily Bechtel sparked the offense with multiple hits and scored three runs, and Baylee Smith added a triple and RBI in the sixth to extend the advantage. Hope Sizemore earned the win in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing just one run on seven hits. West Virginia State added late insurance runs and maintained control throughout, sealing the doubleheader sweep with a well-rounded performance.

Yellow Jackets will take on Wheeling in another home doubleheader tomorrow, March 29 at 2:00 PM.