INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- Yellow Jackets Softball split a doubleheader at Salem, using an explosive offensive performance to take Game 1 before falling in a tighter, low-scoring Game 2.

West Virginia State's bats came alive early in an 11-4 Game 1 victory, highlighted by a seven-run surge across the second and third innings to seize control. Sydney Shamblin sparked the offense with a triple and three RBIs, while Olivia Bell and Emily Bechtel each scored three runs as the Yellow Jackets piled up 13 hits. After Salem trimmed the deficit to 7-4, WVSU responded with insurance runs late, including a two-run sixth inning keyed by Autumn Hall. In the circle, Kaleigh Murphy picked up the win before Hope Sizemore shut the door with three scoreless innings of relief, allowing no hits to secure the victory.

In Game 2, West Virginia State was unable to carry over that offensive momentum, falling 3-0 despite collecting seven hits. The Yellow Jackets threatened early but couldn't capitalize, stranding runners in key spots as Salem jumped ahead with two runs in the first inning and added another in the second. Cassidy Cummings led WVSU with two hits, while Kylie Price added a double, but the lineup couldn't break through against Salem's Kendall Lemley, who tossed a complete-game shutout. Adrianna Green provided a bright spot in relief for the Yellow Jackets, holding Salem scoreless over four innings, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

Tomorrow, April 19 brings another doubleheader at Point Park University.