All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVWC softball picked to win MEC South Divison

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – Frostburg State and West Virginia Wesleyan have been picked to win divisional championships during the 2023 Mountain East Conference softball season following a vote of the league’s head coaches.
 
Frostburg State has been picked to win the MEC North Division in 2023 after sharing the crown with West Liberty last spring with matching 22-10 records in conference play. The Lady Bobcats received 61 points and six first-place votes during preseason balloting to lead the division. Fairmont State and West Liberty tied for second in the preseason voting with 52 points apiece. The Falcons received four first-place votes, while West Liberty received the final two first-place tallies.
 
Fairmont State won the 2022 MEC Tournament Championship after entering tournament play as the third seed out of the north division. West Liberty finished 35-21-1 during the 2022 season and had a 22-10 record in conference play, as the Hilltoppers shared last spring’s north division title.
 
North Dame College finished fourth in the north division poll with 37 points, followed by Wheeling (25) and Alderson Broaddus (19) rounding out the poll.
 
In the south division, defending champion West Virginia Wesleyan finished first in the preseason voting with 63 points and nine first-place votes. The Lady Bobcats went 38-18-1 in 2022 and finished as the MEC Tournament runner-up. The Lady Bobcats went 23-7 in league play last season and advanced to the NCAA Atlantic Region finals. Charleston was voted to finish second in the south division with 56 points and three first-place votes. UC went 28-23 a season ago.
 
West Virginia State was picked third in the south division with 44 points, followed by Davis & Elkins (36), Glenville State (29) and Concord (18).
 
The MEC softball season is slated to begin with non-conference play on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Conference play opens on Saturday, March 18.
 
2023 Mountain East Conference Softball Preseason Poll
NORTH DIVISION
1. Frostburg State (6) – 61
T2. Fairmont State (4) – 52
T2. West Liberty (2) – 52
4. Notre Dame – 37
5. Wheeling – 25
6. Alderson Broaddus – 19
 
SOUTH DIVISION
1. West Va. Wesleyan (9) – 63
2. Charleston (3) – 56
3. West Virginia State – 44
4. Davis & Elkins – 36
5. Glenville State – 29
6. Concord – 18
 
( ) – First-place votes

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Weekly Upshur County sports calendar lists area high school and college basketball, wrestling and swimming events Dec. 1–7, highlighted by Buckhannon-Upshur teams’ multiple games, duals and meets throughout the week.

Parents attend commission meeting as new fence and deputy pledged for Hodgesville Elementary amid safety concerns

After online threats against Hodgesville Elementary, Upshur County will station a sheriff’s deputy at the school through January 2026, but parents are pressing for permanent safety measures and improved communication from the board of education.

West Virginia Wesleyan College freshman competes for $10,000 for her start-up business

A West Virginia Wesleyan College student made it into the top five of an undergraduate business competition for the Mountain State Innovators Summit.

Ruth Louise Smith

Ruth Louise Smith, 77, of Buckhannon, WV, a retired history teacher and longtime Methodist active with Boy Scout Troop 100, died November 27, 2025; she is survived by two sons, a grandson, siblings and extended family.

Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board Agenda: December 2, 2025

The Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board will meet December 2, 2025; this article publishes the meeting agenda.

Local photographers featured in state’s free wildflower calendar

Several Buckhannon-Upshur Camera Club members were honored with inclusion in the state’s annual wildflower calendar, which is now available to order for free.

Upshur County Commission asks state attorney general to probe high gas prices

Upshur County commissioners voted to send a letter to West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey seeking an explanation for why local gas prices are higher than in neighboring counties. Officials hope an official response will clarify whether market forces are to blame.

Trumps Salon angel tree helps high school students in Buckhannon have Christmas

Trumps Salon is seeking to help 22 high school students on its Angel Tree with requested items to make their holidays brighter. Gifts and donations can be dropped off at the salon on Main Street by December 12.

Upshur County businesses eligible for federal disaster loans after fall drought

Small businesses and nonprofits in Upshur County can apply for low-interest federal disaster loans after drought conditions this fall caused economic losses. The loans cover working capital needs even without physical damage.