By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__In a Northwest Conference battle of league unbeatens, the Bluffton High School softball team lost 9-0 to visiting Lincolnview on Thursday, April 30.

Winning pitcher Ila Hughes hurled a one-hitter and slugged two home runs to pace the victors. She also doubled, singled and drove in three runs while scoring three times. She racked up 11 total bases.

The Lancer sophomore ace struck out 14 and didn’t walk a Pirate.

The Lancers led 5-0 after five frames, then scored four runs in the sixth to seal the verdict.

Bluffton dropped to 6-9 overall and 3-1 in NWC play with the defeat. 

Lincolnview improved to 13-4 overall and 4-0 in the NWC after the road victory.

Senior Macy Schaadt singled to provide the lone Pirate hit.  

Lancer catcher Lainey Spear swatted a home run, two singles, drove in two runs and scored twice to support Hughes. Emma Stevens tripled and scored three runs. Bella Hire contributed a double.

The Pirates were out-hit by the Lancers, 12-1. Bluffton made three errors that led to three unearned runs. Lincolnview committed one miscue.

Pirate pitcher Peyton Worcester hurled all seven innings in the loss. She scattered 12 hits and allowed six earned runs. She walked four and struck out four.

The Pirates left two runners on base, while Lincolnview stranded nine. 

WP-Hughes LP-Worcester    

2B-Hughes (L), Hire (L)

3B-Stevens (L)

HR-Hughes 2 (L), Spear (L)