By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Tennessee Tech softball team closed out the WKU Hilltopper Spring Fling with a 6-1 loss to host Western Kentucky.

The Golden Eagles (6-11) collected one run on three hits as Alina Schlageter, Sydney Kirby and Ella Bishop had the three safeties, while Kirby also drew a walk.

Emily York took the loss, allowing six runs – four earned – on eight hits, walking four. Lainey Fitzgerald threw the final inning-and-a-third, allowing one hit and striking out two.

Rylan Smith earned the win for the Hilltoppers, allowing a single unearned run on three hits while striking out nine.

Randi Drinnon went 2-for-3 with two RBI to lead WKU, while Morgan Sharpe, Kennedy Stinson, Maci Masters each also had two hits.

Western Kentucky scored three in the bottom of the first with two coming across on sacrifice flies and a third stealing home.

Bishop scored Tech's lone run in the third inning as Schlageter hit a single to left field, but the ball was misplayed allowing Bishop to go home and Schlageter standing on third.

WKU (13-6) scored the other three runs in the fifth inning as Masters and Drinnon both hit doubles into right center, the latter for two runs.

The Golden Eagles now head home to the friendly confines of the Tech Softball Field as they host five straight games, including the home opener against Bellarmine on Wednesday. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.

Tech will then open Ohio Valley Conference play on Saturday with a doubleheader against Tennessee State, followed by a single game on Sunday to wrap up the series.

All games at Tech Softball Field are open to the public.