Story by Zach Scott, Staff writer

The Murray State softball team was able to snap an eight-game losing streak on Wednesday by defeating WKU 10-6.

The win over the Hilltoppers (21-12) gives the Racers their tenth win of the season, pushing their record to 10-22.

Junior pitcher Amber Van Duyse pitched a complete game, giving up six runs, four of them earned. Van Duyse struck out four batters and walked three on 113 pitches.

Head Coach Kara Amundson was pleased with Van Duyse’s performance on the mound Wednesday.

“Amber was a bulldog in the circle for us today,” Amundson said, “It was big for her; to be honest, it’s a huge mental step for her.”

In total, the Racers utilized a six-run explosion in the fifth to cement the win over in-state rival Western Kentucky. Junior infielder Lillie Goetz went one for three with a walk on Wednesday, but drove in three runs off a double in the the inning. Amundson was pleased to see Goetz perform in that kind of situation.

“It was huge; I think it was a full count two outs, like the stuff you practice in your mind kind of thing, the heavy pressure situation, and Lillie’s been pretty consistent mentally for us all year long,” Amundson said. “She’s the kind of kid you want up in those kinds of situations.”

Sophomore first basemen Lexi Jones went deuces wild, going two for two with two walks while driving in two RBIs.

Amundson was happy with the way her team performed coming off the eight-game losing streak.

“We’ve been struggling quite a bit this year, so to get ahead early was a big deal for us,” Amundson said.

The Racers and Amundson hope to build off this win and get the team rolling for the rest of conference play.

“We have 18 conference games left,” she said. “We haven’t done too hot so far but 18 is plenty to turn this thing around. “We’re looking for it to be a big step in the right direction.”

Wednesday’s win began a six-game home stand for the Racers, as they take the field next on Saturday, April 7, for a double-header against UT Martin.