Game 1 stats: http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/softball/2012/04-03-s1.htm>

I Game 2 stats: http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/softball/2012/04-03-s2.htm

A first inning triple play by the Bluffton defense failed to inspire the Beaver softball team as Manchester College swept the Heartland Conference series convincingly on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Bluffton had its four-game winning streak snapped while dropping to 14-12 overall and 2-2 in the Heartland Conference. The Spartans improved to 12-12 on the season and 3-3 in the HCAC.

The Bluffton offense struggled to figure out Manchester ace Maureen Lund who limited the visitors to just six paltry hits in 14 innings of play. Lund upped her season mark to 9-5 despite nine walks on the afternoon, including six in game two when the Beavers managed only one run on a sacrifice foulout to first base.

Freshman Katie Clark (New Palestine, Ind.) had two of Bluffton's four

safeties in the lidlifter, upping her team-high average to .416 with a single and a double. Lindsay Robertson (Cincinnati/Northwest) picked up an RBI in game two.

Starters Chloe Shell (Covington) and Megan Patton (Waynesfield/Perry) fell to 7-4 and 4-5, respectively, although the offense did little to help their cause in the losses to Manchester. Patton fanned three Spartan batters and Shell struck out two.

The Beavers will regroup before welcoming Hanover College to Bluffton Field on Saturday, April 6, 2012. The first contest is slated for 1 p.m.