By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON __ The Bluffton High School softball team fell behind big early yet rallied, only to come up just short 16-14 to visiting Columbus Grove in a Northwest Conference battle Thursday evening, May 2.

The Pirate girls dropped to 1-10 overall and finished 1-7 in the NWC after the loss. 

The Bulldogs improved to 9-6 overall and 3-3 in the NWC with the victory.  

Grove plated 10 runs in the top of the first to seize a huge early lead.

The Pirates rallied with two runs in the home first, followed by six in the second to get back in striking distance. 

After three innings, Grove led 12-9.

CG tallied three runs in the fourth and one more in the fifth. The Pirates scored two in the fifth and scored three in a last-ditch seventh inning rally. 

Grove out-hit Bluffton 16-12 in the wild game. The Pirates committed seven errors that led to five unearned runs. Grove made six miscues leading to 10 unearned runs.

Lauren Bassett hit a home run and drove in six runs. She also singled twice and scored a run.

Ashley Fleece stroked two hits, scored three runs and had one RBI. Adanna Johnstone collected two hits, one RBI and one run.

Olivia Hobensack drove in three runs with two singles, and she scored two runs. 

Karleigh Davis scored three runs, singled and drove in a run. She also drew two walks and stole a base.

Faith Maple singled and scored twice. Danielle Cross singled, stole a base and scored one run.

Haelee Rayle pitched all seven innings for the Pirates. She gave up 16 hits and 11 earned runs. She walked two and struck out one. 

Tori Williams had four hits for Grove, including a double, to go with two RBI and two runs. Bre Hofman and Erianne Heffner each drove in four runs for CG.

       123 456 7 R H E

CG 10 02 310 0 16 16 6

Bluf 261 020 3 14 12 7

WP-Stechschulte LP-Rayle

2B-Williams (CG)

HR-Bassett (B)