INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler softball team held a lead through six innings but could not close it out game three of a BIG EAST series vs. Connecticut, falling 2-1. The Bulldogs (17-16, 9-6 BIG EAST) scored their run in the first inning, but the Huskies (20-22, 12-3 BIG EAST) rallied with two outs in the seventh to score both of their runs.

Prior to the game, a ceremonial first pitch was delivered by Butler alum Jenny (Esparza) Levengood, 2010-13. Arguably the most dominant pitcher in Bulldogs Softball history, Esparza was named Horizon League Pitcher of the Year and NFCA All-Midwest Region in 2011. The two-time All-Horizon League first-team selection (2010, 2011) held Butler's career strikeouts record after only two seasons, striking out 575 batters by the end of her sophomore season. Esparza finished her Butler career with 789 strikeouts. She owns Butler's single-season record for wins (18) and strikeouts (307), and the single-game, seven-inning record for strikeouts (18).

The Bulldogs took an early lead in the first inning when Olivia Robards doubled to send Makena Alexander home. Neither team was able to push another run across through the sixth.
 
In the top of the seventh, Butler quickly got two outs. But a walk, followed by a triple, tied the game at one, and then an error allowed the go-ahead run to cross.
 
Maren Berger pitched a complete game in the circle for Butler and took the loss. In 7.0 innings, she allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out a pair.
 
Bulldog Bits

• Robards hit her 12^th double of the season which was the 23^rd of her career.
• Berger pitched her first seven-inning complete game in a Butler uniform.
• Alexander produced her 46^th RBI of the season in the weekend series, breaking Butler's single-season RBI record previously held by Ella White (2024). 

Up Next
Butler will host IU Indy on Tuesday, April 14, and then travel to Georgetown for a three-game BIG EAST series next weekend.