BOX SCORE: GAME 1 / GAME 2
BLUFFTON, Ohio -- Bluffton University relied on a timely hitting performance and strong pitching to earn a 5-0 and 4-0 softball doubleheader sweep over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Sunday.
In the opener, Bluffton relied on a three-run home run by Jesse Madzia to gain the early lead. The Beavers added an insurance run in the sixth inning to secure the win. Nicole Thomas tossed a complete game four-hit shutout to lead the pitching performance for Bluffton.
For Rose-Hulman, sophomores Michelle Korf and Gabbi Markison led the offensive efforts with a double each. Senior Taylor Lockhart recorded six strikeouts in a complete game effort.
In the nightcap, Bluffton scored three times in the fifth inning to turn a 1-0 lead into a 4-0 victory. Makenzie Schmidt ahd three hits and scored twice, with Josie McElroy and Madzia adding two RBIs each. Madzia tossed the complete game shutout by scattering six hits.
The Rose-Hulman offense featured Markison and Jenny Miller with two hits each. Miller tossed the complete game in the circle, allowing just three earned runs.
Bluffton improved to 14-16 overall and 2-6 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play, while Rose-Hulman dropped to 10-11 and 2-4 in league games. The Fightin' Engineers return to action on Tuesday with another conference road trip, this time to Franklin College.
