April 30, 2016
By: Colton Steiner, sports information assistant
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University softball team finished off its 2016 season as the Beavers hosted the Hanover College Panthers. The weather played a major factor as the teams could only finish one game due to rain and the conditions of the field. In the only game that counted, the Panthers were able to get the upper hand as they took a 9-0 victory over the Beavers. With the loss, Bluffton finishes with a final record of 15-22 (3-12 HCAC) while Hanover improved to 17-17 (8-7 HCAC).
Both teams struggled to begin the morning as they both went hitless through the first two innings. Hanover was able to break out for two runs in the third inning after a throwing error scored a run and a fielder’s choice notched another tally. After a scoreless fourth, the Panthers exploded for seven runs in the fifth inning as they connected with a total of eight hits in the frame. The Beavers were unable to score a run as they lost in five innings due to the mercy-rule.
Leading Bluffton offensively was JESSIE MADZIA (Massillon/Tuslaw) who collected Bluffton’s lone double of the game which is her eighth of the season. Also picking up hits for the Beavers were KELSEY REEDER (Galion/Northmor), BRITTANY HUFF (Clayton/Northmont) and CHELSEA ZOLTOWSKI (Sylvania/Southview).
On the mound for Bluffton was starter Jessie Madzia who allowed six runs off five hits in four innings. Madzia fanned two batters while only walking one.
The Beavers rolled to a 7-0 lead through four innings on the strength of what would have been Molly Haberman's (Port Clinton) first collegiate homer, a two-run laser to right center in the second inning. Carly Levindofske (Brunswick/Magnificat) blasted what would have been her first homer of the season in the bottom of the third.
Junior Emily Scupholm (Cuyahoga Falls/Our Lady of the Elms) was nearly untouchable in the game that never was, allowing one hit through four innings with one strikeout. Hanover wrapped up a berth in the upcoming HCAC tournament thanks to the unplayable field conditions.
Bluffton capped its 2016 season with the awards banquet following the Senior Day game in which Ashley Knippen (Wapakoneta) was honored for her work as a Beaver.
-BEAVERS-
