By Ben Risinger, sports information director
May 1, 2005

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Bluffton University softball team (20-11, 7-6 HCAC) picked up one win at Franklin College (9-19, 4-10) on May 1. The Beavers picked up game one 9-1 and lost the nightcap 9-7.

Franklin led the first game 1-0 after the second inning as Bluffton came back and tied the game at one all in the top of the third. The Beavers then used an explosive eight run fourth inning to take the contest in five innings 9-1. Bluffton posted nine hits in the contest compared to Franklin's two. Senior MANDY SNIDER (Wapakoneta/Wapakoneta) led the team as she went 2-for-4 with one run scored, a double and three RBI's. Junior LINDSAY MILLER (Grover Hill/Wayne Trace) went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored in the game. Freshman catcher SARAH NUSBAUM (Sherwood/Fairview) went 3-for-3 with two runs and a lone RBI. Junior SARAH BETTS (Bryan/Bryan) pitched the win to take her record to 14-7. Betts gave up two hits and struck out eight batters in the contest.

The Grizzlies used a five run first inning and spread runs over the second, fifth and sixth innings for the win in game two. Bluffton scored their seven runs over the first four innings for the 9-7 final. Mandy Snider and Sarah Nusbaum led the team at the plate as they both went 2-for-3 with one run scored in the game. Freshman HEATHER BEIGHLE (Greenvile/Arcanum) had one hit and two RBI's. Sarah Betts (14-8) received the loss as she pitched five innings and gave up five hits.

Bluffton University will be back in action on May 6-7 when they travel to the Heartland Conference softball tournament in Indianapolis, Ind. Check back to www.blufftonbeavers.comlater in the week for more details.