LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Butler softball team dropped a decision to Dartmouth but quickly rebounded for a victory over Bellarmine in a mid-week doubleheader. The Bulldogs (13-12, 2-1 BIG EAST) and the Big Green (1-4, 0-0 Ivy League) were tied, 3-3, after three innings, but Dartmouth produced the run it needed in the sixth for a 4-3 final. The Knights (8-13, 0-0 ASUN) jumped ahead with three runs in the first inning, but Butler scored in the second, third, fourth, and sixth to take a five-run lead into the seventh. Bellarmine threatened in their final at bat, but the Dawgs held on for a 9-5 win.
 
Game 1: Dartmouth 4, Butler 3 (7 innings)
 
Dartmouth scored one run in the first inning, but in the bottom half, Cate Lehner and Leigh Vande Hei each singled and eventually crossed the plate to give Butler a 2-1 lead after one complete.
 
In the second, the Big Green plated one more, but Lehner and Vande Hei answered again. With two outs already on the board, Lehner singled and stole second, and then Vande Hei doubled down the left-field line to put the Dawgs in front once again, 3-2.
 
Dartmouth tied the game at three in the third, and the score stayed knotted through five innings,
though Butler loaded the bases in both the fourth and fifth.
 
In the sixth, the Big Green used two singles and a double to jump in front by one, 4-3.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, the Dawgs put two runners on base but could not push anyone across.
 
Kayla Noerr (0-1) pitched a complete game for Butler and took the loss. In 7.0 innings, she allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and five walks while striking out one.
 
Game 2: Butler 9, Bellarmine 5 (7 innings)
 
Bellarmine scored three runs in the first inning on a pair of singles and a double.
 
In the top of the second, Paige Dorsett hit a lead-off home run. Later, Leigh Vande Hei scored from second base, as her steal attempt led to an error that allowed her to continue home. Butler trailed, 3-2, after two innings.
 
In the third, Cate Lehner singled and was able to later score, after stealing both second base and home. The game was tied, 3-3, after three complete.
 
In the fourth, with Sydney Carter on third and Hailey Conger on second, Lehner hit a ball to the pitcher. An errant throw allowed both Carter and Conger to score and Lehner to advance to third. Ella White then laid down a squeeze-play bunt. Lehner was safe, and Butler took a 6-3 lead.
 
In the sixth, after Conger and Lehner reached on singles, Ella White launched a three-run home run the put Butler up, 9-3.
 
Bellarmine managed to plate two in the bottom of the seventh.
 
Katie Petran (8-0) started in the circle for Butler, pitched four complete, and earned the win. She allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits with three strikeouts. Sydney Cammon (3.0IP, 2R, 3H, 2BB, 2K) provided relief in the fifth inning and picked up the save.
 
Bulldog Bits

• Leigh Vande Hei's double vs. Dartmouth was the first of her career.
• Kayla Noerr's complete game in the circle vs. Dartmouth was a career first.
• Paige Dorsett's home run vs. Bellarmine was her fourth of the season and 13^th of her career.
• Ella White's home run vs. Bellarmine was her sixth of the season and 18^th of her career.
• Sydney Carter's double vs. Bellarmine was her third of the season and 10^th of her career.
• Katie Petran's win vs. Bellarmine was her eighth of the season.
• Sydney Cammon's save vs. Bellarmine was her first of the season and third at Butler.
• Cate Lehner had five stolen bases over the two games. She now has 30 for her career.

Up Next
Butler travels to St. John's for its second BIG EAST series of the season from Friday, March 15 through Sunday March 17.