By: Ethan Stearns, sports information assistant
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University softball team struggled to score runs in their Heartland Conference doubleheader against Manchester University on Thursday, April 27, 2023. The Spartans showed out defensively in both contests, taking game one with a final score of 9-1 and shutting the home team out for a 3-0 win in the nightcap. The Beavers slid to 14-22 overall and their conference mark is now 3-11. MU upped its mark to 21-13 and 9-3 in the conference despite only hitting two home runs on the year!
Although the outcome of the games did not go in Bluffton's favor, the Beavers still had a lot to celebrate as they recognized their six seniors for their amazing accomplishments and dedication to the softball program over the last four years! Honored were Marissa Auvil (North Canton/Hoover), Sammi Urban (Troy/Miami East), Sydney Zinkon (Fresno/Ridgewood), Grace Fillinger (Hinckley/Highland), Erin Norman (Pleasant Hill/Newton) and Bobbi Adams (Delaware/Rutherford B. Hayes).
The home team was only able to put up one run on the afternoon which came in the sixth frame of game number one. Sophomore Kayleigh Michael (Eaton/National Trail) grounded out to second base, plating Julia Tegeder (Hamilton). This made the score 4-1 but Manchester sealed things up with a five-run seventh to close things out.
Michael accounted for an RBI and Zinkon was a perfect 2-of-2 with the bat.
Fillinger dipped to 6-8 with the loss, tossing six innings and allowing one walk in the opener. Norman closed it out in the lidlifter.
The second game took just one hour and 10 minutes as Bluffton was unable to get on the board. Manchester scored three runs despite rapping just five hits in the finale. The Spartans scored one run in the first and two more in the third.
Adams and Tegeder both ended the game with two hits, accounting for four of Bluffton's six base knocks. Norman went the distance, allowing three runs, but just one earned, with two striekouts and four walks.
Bluffton is back home for the third time in five days when the Beavers welcome Transylvania University on Saturday, April 29. The first pitch of the final Heartland Conference doubleheader is slated for 1 p.m.
-BEAVERS-
