WEST LIBERTY – The West Liberty University baseball team returns to Kovalick Field this weekend for a four-game Mountain East Conference series against Fairmont State, with doubleheaders scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

West Liberty enters the series at 12-25 overall and 10-10 in MEC play, looking to bounce back after a challenging stretch that has seen the Hilltoppers drop their last five games. Despite the recent skid, WLU has been strong at home this season with an 8-6 record.

Fairmont State comes in at 16-24 overall and 9-11 in conference play.

The Hilltoppers currently sit fourth in the MEC North Division with a 10-10 conference mark, just ahead of Fairmont State, which is fifth at 9-11. Wheeling leads the division at 16-4, followed by Frostburg State (17-7) and Point Park (16-8).

With both teams hovering around the .500 mark in league play, this weekend’s series carries significant implications in the race for conference positioning heading into the final stretch of the season.

West Liberty’s offense continues to be anchored by Hunter White, who is putting together an outstanding season. White leads the Hilltoppers with a .402 batting average, eight home runs, 31 RBIs, and 82 total bases, serving as the centerpiece of the lineup.

Austin Wittreich (.292) and Giacomo Dolce (.278) provide consistency at the top of the order, combining for 72 hits and 38 runs scored. Luke Marsh has also been productive with 23 RBIs, while Luke Foley adds depth with 29 hits and 21 runs scored.

Fairmont State counters with a balanced offensive attack led by Bryont Green (.350, 37 RBIs) and Reilly Bubb (.353, 30 RBIs). Cameron Moore provides power with five home runs and a .520 slugging percentage, while also drawing a team-high 29 walks.

On the mound, West Liberty will look to John Thompson to lead the rotation. Thompson owns a team-best 4.58 ERA with five wins and 42 strikeouts across 55 innings. Colby Conn and Mason Bille round out the primary starters, combining for over 80 innings of work this season.

Fairmont State is led by Micah Canterbury, who carries a 3.98 ERA and a .221 opponent batting average, along with 52 strikeouts. The Falcons also feature Dylan Travinski and Caden Goodwin as key arms in the rotation.

The two teams have split recent matchups, with West Liberty earning a pair of wins in last year’s series in Morgantown. However, Fairmont State took three of four when the teams met in West Liberty in 2024, highlighting the competitive nature of the rivalry.

First pitch is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, with Sunday’s doubleheader also beginning at 1 p.m.