Softball Recap: Bluffton Comes Up Short

Bluffton dropped their record down to 8-13 on Thursday, which also ended the team's three-game streak of wins at home. They came up short against the Norwell Knights, falling 17-9. If the Tigers were looking for revenge after losing 7-2 to the Knights when the teams met back in May of 2024, then they'll just have to keep looking.

Tressa Renner was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season. Another player making a difference was Konley Ault, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.

As for Norwell, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 13-7 record this season. Considering they have won 11 games by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

On Norwell's side, Kayla Watkins was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out seven over four innings pitched. Watkins was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three RBI. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Abby Wagner was a standout: she went 4-for-5 with three runs and three RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Leah Werling, who went 2-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and one double.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Bluffton will venture away from home to face off against Heritage at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The Patriots' pitching crew has only allowed 3.6 runs per game this season, so the Tigers' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Norwell, they are taking a road trip to take on Fort Wayne Northrop at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The Knights' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Bruins have averaged an impressive 6.4 runs per game this season.