The Butler softball team (5-2, 0-0) finished up the weekend in Denison, Texas 3-1 overall with the fourth game being canceled due to inclement weather.
The first game Friday was a big NJCAA Top 11 showdown where the No. 11 Grizzlies faced the No. 4 ranked Apaches of Tyler Junior College (TX). Butler came out on top 6-2, picking up a big NJCAA Top 5 win.
Game two looked a little different as the Grizzlies struggled defensively in the first few innings totaling five errors. Their comeback bid fell short and Butler suffered their second loss of the season 5-4 to North Central College (TX).
"After beating No. 4 Tyler we came out the next game and committed five errors plus 2-3 passed balls," said head coach Doug Chance. " I was worried that it might carry over to the next day, however, I was very impressed with the effort we got the next morning against Weatherford."
Saturday was a cold and wet morning, much like Kansas weather and the Grizzlies used it to their advantage piecing together a seven run fourth inning that would help propel them to a 9-1 run-rule win over Weatherford College (TX).
Freshman Izzy Erickson picked up the lone win on Friday with a big 6-2 victory over No. 4 ranked Tyler Junior College (TX). She pitched 5.0 innings giving up 0 runs with just two hits allowed. She walked three and struck out five in the game.
Sophomore pitcher Kelcie Kippes picked up her first win of the season against Weatherford. She pitched 4.1 innings in the win allowing just one unearned run off three hits. She struck out five and walked four in the 5-inning run-rule victory. The day before, she came in relief for two innings of work. She gave up no runs off two hits striking out one. In her 6.1 total innings pitched, she allowed just five hits and struck out six.
After battling injuries, Maddie Redman is back in the lineup for the Grizzlies and got her first action this weekend. Redman pitched 3.2 innings this weekend giving up three hits and two runs. She had three strikeouts and against Weatherford, she faced one batter, threw three pitches and got a double-play to end the game.
"Kippes pitched the best game of her college career and we got great production from the top half of the lineup. Also, with the long-awaited return of Maddie Redman to the pitching staff and the development of Kelcie Kippes I think we will be in great shape in the circle."
Shayna Espy pieced together another great weekend at the plate. Espy was 5-8 with four runs scored and three RBI's. She had a double against North Central and five total stolen bases on the weekend. Espy is batting .667 this season and has three double and a triple with a .706 on base percentage.
Hallehannah Hale, freshman utility player from Caddo Mills, TX went 4-6 on the weekend with two runs scored, two RBI's and two stolen bases. Hale was a steady batter for the Grizzlies as her on base percentage was .714. Hale is batting .455 on the season with a .538 on base percentage.
"It's great to get out early and play tough competition to see what we need to focus on going forward," said Chance. "I'm not happy with the lack of production from the middle of our lineup so far but I'm sure that will turn around as those kids start getting their timing and confidence."
NEXT UP: Butler (5-2, 0-0) will have almost a two-week break from games before taking on Labette on Thursday, February 18 in Parsons, KS at 2:00pm & 4:00pm.
