ROSEMONT, Ill. - The Butler softball team opened the 2022 season with a 7-5 win over Valparaiso in eight innings. The Bulldogs (1-0) and Beacons (0-2) each had three runs after five innings, but neither team could score in the sixth or seventh. In the eighth, Butler scored two, and a Monique Hoosen double scored what would ultimately be the winning run.
 
Key Moments

• 1st | Valpo scores one to take a one-run lead.
• 2nd | Ella White singles and advances to second on a Gracie Voulgaris single. White then scores when Maddie Moore singles to center field.
• 3rd | A Valpo home run puts the Beacons up, 2-1.
• 4th | Butler uses two hits and a walk to load the bases, and Bri Avery picks up an RBI when Kaylee Gross scores, tying the game at two. Monique Hoosen also gets an RBI, pushing Gracie Voulgaris across the plate to give the Bulldogs a 3-2 lead.
• 5th | Valpo advances a runner to third, and she scores on a passed ball to tie the game, 3-3.
• 7th | Ellie Boyer singles and advances to second, but the potential go-ahead run is stranded.
• T8th | A White double sends Sydney Carter across the plate for the go-ahead run, and White later scores on an error. Moore and Kinley Longest reach on singles, and a Hoosen double gives Butler a 7-3 lead.
• B8th | Valpo scores two but cannot force a ninth inning.

Butler Pitching
Karli Ricketts (6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 K) started in the circle for Butler. Mackenzie Griman (1-0) pitched two innings and picked up the win. She gave up two runs – one earned – and struck out one.
 
Bulldog Bits

• Ella White (2-4, 2B), Gracie Voulgaris (2-3), and Maddie Moore (2-3) each had a pair of hits to lead the Butler offense.
• With five strikeouts, Karli Ricketts has moved into a tie for eighth on Butler's all-time list for career strikeouts (325).
• With the win, Butler has evened the all-time series with Valparaiso, 22-22.
• This is the fourth consecutive season the Bulldogs have started the season in the win column.

Up Next
Butler remains in Rosemont, Ill., for two games on Friday, February 11. The Bulldogs will face Bowling Green at 12pm CT (1pm ET) and, later in the day, will take on Murray State at 5pm CT (6pm ET).