COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Butler softball team is now ranked second nationally, the highest ranking ever in program history.
The Grizzlies, with a record of 23-1, climbed nine spots from their preseason national ranking of 11. The Grizzlies started the season with 15 straight wins and have now won eight in a row since their only loss.
Butler trails only Indian River (Fla.) in the national polls. The Grizzlies have the fewest losses of any team in the national top 20.
The Grizzlies have raced to the fast start behind a stellar pitching staff, which has an ERA of just 1.75. The offense meanwhile, has proved powerful itself, ranking ninth nationally in batting average at .380 and 10th in home runs with 28.
Butler will face a nationally-ranked team this weekend at the Carthage Bash in Missouri, facing No. 11 Iowa Western. The Grizzlies will also see Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, which is among the other teams receiving votes in the first national poll of the season.
Butler's next home games will be Wednesday, March 27 against Barton with the doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. at East Park.
