First drubbed, then snubbed. After missing their shot at an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by getting trampled by Middle Tennessee in the Sun Belt Conference championship last week, the Lady Toppers were banking on an at-large berth. Last night, when a selection seemed assured, Western came up empty again.

Third in total points.

Fourth in scoring average.

Third in rebounds, and second in steals. That stat line is the career ranks of senior guard Tiffany Porter-Talbert on the all-time list of Lady Toppers.

If there’s a category for it, Porter-Talbert can be found near the top.

Shortly after sophomore infielder Michael Wilhite passed away on July 29, former teammates and coaches gathered to determine a fitting tribute.

After only a few days of considerations, they came to a consensus.

The group decided to erect a monument at Denes Field in Wilhite’s memory.

Two streaks continued last night when Western hosted Belmont. Senior second baseman Matt Ransdell extended his hitting streak to 19 games, but Topper pitching continued its streak of inconsistency in a 15-7 loss to the Bruins at Denes Field. Junior starting pitcher Zack Duncan lasted only 1 2/3 innings, and Western’s relievers fared no better.