BLUFFTON, Ohio - A 5-1 mark for the week propelled the Bluffton University softball team to a Heartland Conference Pitcher of the Week award for junior Nicole Thomas (Tontogany/Otsego) who secured her second career HCAC Player of the Week honor.

Thomas went 2-1 with a 0.66 ERA in 10.2 innings pitched. She struck out four and allowed just one earned run with a complete game shutout of Albion on Saturday

The junior was recognized as HCAC Pitcher of the Week following a similar 0.64 ERA for her week in Florida last season.

Bluffton is slated for a rivalry matchup with Ohio Northern on Tuesday, March 28. The 15-1 Polar Bears make the short trip from Ada for a 3 p.m. doubleheader with the 12-4 Beavers.

-BEAVERS-