INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler softball team split a double header with Villanova but secured the series, two games to one. The Bulldogs (23-19, 12-9 BIG EAST) took the first game of the Friday's twin bill, 4-1, but the Wildcats (23-20-1, 12-6 BIG EAST) responded in the final game of the series with an 8-0 win in five innings.
Prior to the first pitch, Butler recognized its four graduates: Paige Dorsett, Ella White, Sydney Carter, and Kayla Noerr.
Game 2: Butler 4, Villanova 1 (7 innings)
Butler started strong, scoring three runs in the first inning.
Cate Lehner singled and later advanced to third. She beat the throw home as
Ella White reached first on a fielder's choice, and White then advanced on a passed ball. After
Makena Alexander drew a walk,
Paige Dorsett put the ball in play and moved White and Alexander to third and second.
Olivia Moxley then doubled down the left field line, pushing them home and giving the Dawgs a 3-0 lead.
In the second inning,
Kieli Ryan got things started with a double.
Paxton Law pinch ran, and she advanced to third on a Lehner single.
Hailey Conger put the ball in play, and Law slipped by the tag at home. Butler was up, 4-0.
In the sixth, Villanova used a double, a walk, and a single to score its only run of the game.
Katie Petran (6-5) posted a complete-game victory in the circle. In 7.0 innings, she allowed one run on eight hits and three walks with five strikeouts.
Game 3: Villanova 8, Butler 0 (5 innings)
Villanova scored two in the second, four in the fourth, and two more in the fifth to shutout the Bulldogs in five innings.
Rylyn Dyer (6-7) started in the circle for Butler and took the loss. In 4.0 innings, she allowed six runs on nine hits and a walk with one strikeout.
Kayla Noerr (1.0 IP, 2R, 3H) pitched the fifth and final inning.
Bulldog Bits
- Katie Petran's complete-game victory was her third this season. With six overall wins, she has 21 in her career.
- Olivia Moxley's double was her seventh this season and the 11th of her career.
- Kieli Ryan's double was her third this season and the 13th of her career.
- Cate Lehner stole three bases on the day. She now has 32 this season and 75 in her career.
Up Next
Butler hosts USI for a midweek contest before traveling to Seton Hall for its final BIG EAST series of the season.
