Katie Clark and Kayla Owens named HCAC players of the week
For the second consecutive week, the Bluffton University softball team swept the Player of the Week awards in the Heartland Conference.
Sophomore Katie Clark (New Palestine, Ind.) and junior Kayla Owens (Cincinnati/McAuley) helped Bluffton to an outstanding 7-3 start in Florida, including a 5-3 mark last week. Sophomores Ariana Muffo (New Athens, Ill.) and Chloe Shell (Covington) collected the same honors a week ago.
Katie Clark led the Beavers to a 5-3 record during the week and has been named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Softball Hitter of the Week. The sophomore, who also earned the honor last season, finished the week 13-for-27 (.481) with nine runs scored, four doubles, one triple, one home run, and 10 RBI, while posting an .815 slugging percentage.
Kayla Owens went 3-1 in the circle last week for the Beavers and has been named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Softball Pitcher of the Week. The junior finished the week with a phenomenal 0.74 earned run average while holding opponents to a .215 batting average.
Owens tossed 19.0 innings and allowed just two earned runs with six strikeouts in her five appearances. It marked the second time in her career that Owens has been named Pitcher of the Week. She was honored following the Florida trip during her freshman campaign when she tossed a no-hitter against Beloit College.
The Beavers returned home from Florida on Saturday and they will face Adrian and Alma this week. Bluffton hosts Adrian College on Friday, March 15, at 3:30 p.m. before heading to Alma College on Saturday.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, July 10, 2026
- Find and update Bluffton Civic Organization contact information
- 12th Ride to Remember rolls through Bluffton July 11
- Rumpke trash and recycling guidelines for Bluffton, July 2026
- Beaverdam 4-H report for July 6
- Take a look at Blufftonicon.com/calendar (video)
- Newark Earthworks program on historical indigenous architecture, July 22
Thursday, July 9, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 9
- Share the bridge
- Jeff Richards is new Bluffton Elementary principal
- Officer Dominic Francis Memorial Bike & Jeep Run, Aug. 8
- Sheriff seeks information in June 29 Meijer shooting investigation
- Down on the Farm celebration of America 250, July 19
- Enjoy this summer without doing damage
- Register now for July 23 Words and Wine event
- Village of Bluffton to serve BSC Community meal
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
- Allen County Auditor explanation of Ohio House Bill 186 Inflation Cap Credit
- Shoemaker sentenced to 27 years on child pornography charges
- St. John's UCC to host Bluffton bike swap
- Beaverdam Bunch reports: July 29 meeting
- July 28 speed puzzle competition at Bluffton Public Library
- Galley Book Group to meet at Bluffton Public Library
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
- Highway Patrol reports on July Fourth fatal crashes
- 2026 Porch Fest preview: Blanchard Creek Band, Conner Raines and AJ Knepper
- Take an RTA bus trip to Delphos on July 29
- Senior Center to host Route 66 Centennial trip
- Family-friendly Jurassic Adventure Escape Room, July 17 and 18
- Critters, Flitters, and Gallinippers: SCHS 2nd Saturday, July 11
- Register now for Bluffton Public Library's Read with a Dog
- Orange Twp. receives ODOT request to close two US 30 intersections