SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – The Butler softball team used first-inning homeruns from Paige Dorsett and Teagan O'Rilley to jump to and early lead and never trailed a 7-2 win over Seton Hall in the final game of the regular season for both teams. Monique Hoosen and Cate Lehner each had three hits for the Bulldogs (18-33, 12-9 BIG EAST) who finished fourth in the final BIG EAST standings. The Pirates (38-16, 18-6 BIG EAST) finished in a tie for the second spot with Villanova, just behind first-place UConn. All four teams will be joined by St. John's and DePaul in the six-team BIG EAST Tournament.
 
How It Happened
Butler struck early, with a solo home run from Paige Dorsett in the top of the first. Monique Hoosen followed that up with a double, and then Teagan O'Rilley cleared the bases with a two-run bomb. After one complete inning, the Bulldogs held a 3-0 lead.
 
In the third, Butler loaded the bases with only one out. O'Rilley and Ella White each drew a walk to push the lead to 5-0, but two pop outs quickly ended the threat. Seton Hall also loaded the bases in the bottom half. The Pirates scored one by drawing a walk, but an infield double play shut down the rally. After three complete, the Bulldogs were up, 5-1.
 
In the top of the sixth, Butler once again loaded the bases with one out. Dorsett hit a deep foul ball toward right field. Kaylee Gross was able to cross on the sacrifice. One batter later, Hoosen hit an infield single and pushed the lead to 7-1. Seton Hall plated one in the bottom half, making the score 7-2 entering the final frame.
 
Rylyn Dyer (2.1 IP, 3 H, R, 2 BB) started for Butler in the circle and lasted into the third inning. She was replaced by Mackenzie Griman (9-15) who was credited with the win. In 4.2 innings, Griman allowed one run on three hits and two walks.
 
Bulldog Bits

• Paige Dorsett's home run was her eighth of the season and the ninth of her career.
• Teagan O'Rilley's home run was her fourth of the season and the eighth of her career.
• Monique Hoosen's double was her eighth of the season and 14^th of her career. Her stolen base was her second of the season and ninth of her career.
• With three stolen bases, Cate Lehner now has 17 for the season.
• Kaylee Gross' stolen base was her 15^th of the season and the 17^th of her career.
• Sydney Carter's stolen base was her fourth of the season and sixth of her career.
• Mackenzie Griman picked up her ninth win of the season and the 17^th of her career.
   
• Butler's six stolen bases in the game are the most as a team this season. The previous high was four vs. Portland State back on Feb. 11.
• This was the eighth game this season in which the Bulldogs have produced two or more home runs.

Up Next
Butler heads to Storrs, Conn., to prepare for the BIG EAST Tournament. The Bulldogs are the No. 4 seed in the six-team affair which takes place from Wednesday, May 10 through Saturday, May 13.