Liberty softball ran its win streak to 11 with wins over Marshall and Western Kentucky this past week. The Flames are now 23-4 on the season and 5-0 in conference play. The 11-game win streak is the longest for the Lady Flames since winning 15 in a row in 2023. Sunday’s third and final game of the series with the Hilltoppers was canceled.
TUESDAY: #24 LIBERTY 17, MARSHALL 6 (5 INNINGS)
Liberty erupted for a 10-run 5th inning on Tuesday to help earn a run-rule victory over Marshall at Dot Hicks Field. Liberty scored in every inning and turned a 7-3 lead into a 17-3 cushion with those 10 runs in the top of the 5th. The barrage of 10 runs was punctuated by Alexia Carrasquillo’s grand slam. Elena Escobar earned the win, allowing three runs on three hits, walking two and striking out seven in 3.1 innings. Paige Bachman allowed three unearned runs on one hit, walking one and striking out four in 1.2 innings. Carrasquillo batted 3 for 3 with a grand slam, four RBI and two runs. Rachel Roupe was 2 for 3 with two home runs, four RBI and 3 runs scored. Brynn McManus batted 2 for 4 with a homer, three RBI and two runs. The 17 runs are the most for Liberty since a 19-3 win over Longwood, March 6, 2021.
FRIDAY GAME 1: #24 LIBERTY 10, WESTERN KENTUCKY 0
In a rematch of the 2024 CUSA Championship title game, Liberty took the first game of the series against the Hilltoppers on Friday. The Lady Flames grabbed an early 1-0 lead on Rachel Roupe’s first inning solo home run. The Hilltoppers then loaded the bases on three walks in the home half. Escobar kept WKU off the board, getting an inning-ending lineout to third. The Lady Flames led 6-0 heading into the 7th where they tacked on four more runs. Elena Escobar went the distance for her 7th career shutout and third of the season, allowing just two hits while walking three and striking out four. Rachel Roupe went 2 for 3 with a home run, one RBI and two runs scored while Savanah Whatley and Brooke Roberts both batted 2 for 3. Savannah Jessee homered while KK Madrey stole two bases and scored twice.
FRIDAY GAME 2: #24 LIBERTY 10, WESTERN KENTUCKY 3
Liberty broke open a 3-3 tie game by scoring seven runs in the top of the 6th. The rally was keyed by three home runs including back-to-back shots from Savannah Woodard and Rachel Roupe and then a bomb by Alexia Carrasquillo. Kaylan Yoder earned the win with 6.2 innings of two-hit, scoreless relief during which she walked the ree and struck out 10. Brynn McManus went 3 for 5 with a double, homer, one RBI and two runs scored.
ON TAP
Liberty is scheduled for a double-header at Duke in Durham, North Carolina on Tuesday afternoon beginning at 4 p.m. The Lady Flames are then scheduled to make the short trek over to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The busy week is scheduled to conclude this weekend with a three-game series at Jacksonville State beginning Friday at 7:30 p.m.
