By Mallory Kemper, sports information intern

The Bluffton University softball team hosted Heartland Conference rival Defiance College on Wednesday, April 13, and split the doubleheader. The Beavers lost 5-3 to the Yellow Jackets, but came back to win the second game, 4-3. Bluffton improved to 6-4 in the HCAC and 14-13 overall. Defiance moved to 3-3 in the conference and 11-17 overall.

Bluffton set the tone right away in the fourth inning when Emily Manahan (Columbus/B. Watterson) reached on a dropped fly ball. Freshman Jessica Wilhelm (Piqua) reached on a fielder's choice. Paige Gerdeman (Columbus Grove) then stepped to the plate and ripped a two-run single through the left side, scoring pinch runners Shelby Wade (Delaware/Buckeye Valleye) and Tiffany Buckmaster (Lima/Bath).

In the fifth inning Defiance put up three runs to go ahead, 4-2. Tasha Stucke started off with a walk and then Mallory Faling singled, pushing Stucke to second. Kaycee Butt singled to right center, driving in two runs.

The Beavers scored one run in the sixth inning with a solo shot by Meagan Price (Toledo/Springfield), but fell short in a 5-3 victory for the Yellow Jackets.

Freshman pitcher Kayla Owens (Cincinnati/McAuley) fell to 5-8 on the season, tossing 6.0 innings while giving up five hits and five runs, just two earned. Shauna Bowers improved to 6-6 following a solid 7.0 innings in which she allowed three runs on seven hits.

Meagan Price went 2-of-3 with a home run while Natalie Nikitas (Jeffersonville/Ind.) also went 2-of-3 at the plate.

Bluffton saved its fireworks for a 4-3 victory over the Yellow Jackets in game two. Chelsie Osborne (Chillicothe/Waverly) started the spurt for the Beavers in the first inning with a double to right center. Manahan followed with a run-scoring double to the same spot. Shelby Erford (Paulding) reached on a Defiance error which sent Manahan scurrying for home and for a 2-1 lead over the visitors.

In the second and third innings, the Beavers put up single runs for a 4-1 lead. Wade singled home Nikitas in the second and Osborne crossed the dish in the third. In the fifth inning, Defiance standout Marah Robinson connected on a double which plated Katie Miller. The Yellow Jackets pulled within one in the sixth, but Cuttitta finished what she started with a one-hit seventh for the 4-3 victory over Defiance.

Stevie Cuttitta (Columbiaville, MI/Clio) picked up the win, giving up eight hits and three runs, two earned. Osborne went 2-of-3 at plate with two runs scored, while Manahan was a perfect 2-of-2 on the game.

The Beavers host Ursuline College on Saturday, April 16, for Strike-Out Cancer Day. The first contest is slated for 2 p.m.