By Molly Burnell, sports information assistant
May 7, 2005

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Bluffton University women's softball team (22-13) bowed out of the Heartland Conference tournament with a 9-8 loss to Anderson University (14-21) on May 7.  The Beavers end the season with a 22-13 overall record and a 7-6 mark in the HCAC. 

Anderson jumped out to an early 8-4 lead in the third inning before Bluffton rallied in the fourth and fifth to tie the game at eight all.  Key hits and smart base running by the Beavers made way for three runs in the fourth as senior MANDY SNIDER hit in two runs and senior JACKIE WELLS knocked in another.  Freshman HEATHER BEIGHLE connected for a hit in the fifth inning to score sophomore CARRIE WEISBECKER and tie the game at eight all.  The game stayed knotted 8-8 until Anderson was able to score one run in the bottom of the seventh inning to take the contest 9-8.

Leading the Beavers on the game was senior MICHELLE PLEIMAN who went 2-for-2 from the plate.  Senior ALLISON LANGE went 2-for-4 with one run scored in the contest.  Senior LANE LEEDY went 1-for-2 with three RBI's and a home run in the game.  Junior pitcher SARAH BETTS allowed one hit and two runs while striking out one batter in one inning of work.  Freshman TONYA DEAN gave up eight hits and six runs in 1.2 innings on the mound.  Freshman HEATHER BEIGHLE picked up the loss for Bluffton as she pitched four innings, giving up three hits and one run, while striking out three batters.