BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Butler softball team responded to a morning loss to Western Michigan with an evening win over Detroit Mercy on day two of the Hilltopper Classic. The Broncos (7-5) won the early game in six innings by the final score of 12-2, but the Bulldogs (5-7) avenged a loss from the previous day to the Titans (2-7) by taking the nightcap, 14-4.
 
With six RBIs vs. UDM, senior Hailey Conger tied the Butler record for single-game RBIs, and she now joins two other Bulldogs who have done the same. Monique Hoosen accomplished the feat in 2024, and Erin Falkenberry reached the milestone four times in 2009.
 
Game 3: Western Michigan 12, Butler 2 (6 innings)
 
Western Michigan used five hits and an error to score four runs in the top of the second inning. Over the next two innings, seven hits, including a pair of home runs, increased the lead to 9-0.
 
In the fifth, with Conger on first, Makena Alexander hit a home run over the left field fence. The WMU lead was cut to 9-2.
 
One inning later, a third home run by the Broncos brought home three. The ten-run margin ended the game after six innings.
 
Kate Murray (2-2) started in the circle for Butler and took the loss. in 2.2 innings she allowed eight runs (five earned) on 12 hits and two walks with one strikeout. Alyx Johnson (3.1-IP, 4R, 3ER, 5H, BB, K) provided relief in the middle of the third and finished the game.
 
Game 4: Butler 14, Detroit Mercy 4 (7 innings)
 
In the top of the first inning, Conger scored from third on a fielding error, giving Butler the early lead, but one inning later, Detroit Mercy evened things up with a solo home run.
 
In the top of the third, Conger doubled and then scored on a Kayla Preiss single. The following inning, with Emily Todor and Cate Lehner on base, Conger hit her second home run of the season, putting the Dawgs up, 5-1.
 
In the bottom half of the fourth, the Titans cut Butler's lead to one, scoring three runs on three hits that included a two-RBI triple.
 
The Bulldogs increased their lead in the fifth. Olivia Roberts was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and, with the bases still loaded, Conger drew a walk two batters later. Each added one run, putting the Dawgs up, 7-4.
 
In the sixth, with Alona Boydston and Kendall Graves on base, Kieli Ryan doubled and sent Boydston across. Later in the inning, Lehner and Conger each drew a bases-loaded walk, pushing Butler's lead to 10-4.
 
In the final frame, the Dawgs built on their lead. Kendall Graves hit her second home run of the tournament, also bringing Preiss across. Later, Lehner picked up an RBI on another bases-loaded walk, and Conger produced her sixth RBI of the game by putting the ball in play and allowing Paxton Law to score. The lead was 14-4, and Butler was three outs away from victory.
 
In its final at bat, UDM was unable to generate any threatening offense.
 
Katie Petran (2-3) started for Butler and pitched through six innings, picking up the win. She allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks with seven strikeouts. Maren Berger entered for the final frame and retired the side, facing four batters and striking out two.
 
Bulldog Bits

• Alexander's home run vs. WMU was her fourth this season and the 16^th of her career. She is now tied for ninth on Butler's all-time list for career home runs.
• Conger's home run vs. UDM was her second this season and the third of her career. Her double was her fourth this season and the 17^th of her career.
• The home run by Graves vs. UDM was her second in as many days.
• Ryan's two doubles vs. UDM give her three this season and 17 her career.
• Petran's complete-game win was her second this season, and it was the 24^th win of her career.

Up Next
Butler will remain in Bowling Green, Ky., for its final game at the Hilltopper Classic. The Bulldogs will face Western Kentucky for a second time on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. CT).