Butler hits three grand slams in doubleheader sweep at Colby

In its first games since being becoming the No. 1-ranked team in the NJCAA Division I poll, the Butler softball team proved it was worthy of the top spot with a pair of run-rule victories at Colby on Friday.

Butler won the first game 14-0 and then took the second game by a 13-2 score.The Grizzlies hit seven home runs, including three grand slams, in the 10 innings of play.

The Grizzlies improve to 34-2 on the season and are still perfect in Jayhawk West Conference play with a 10-0 record with six conference games to play.

GAME 1 – Butler 14, Colby 0

Butler batters hit three home runs, including a pair of grand slams – one each from Ashley Malone and Kate James. Kelsey Berlin added a two-run home run.

In the circle, Maggie Ham and Brittany Gustin combined for the one-hit shutout. Ham struck out four batters in the first two innings without allowing a hit, while Gustin threw three innings, striking out two and allowing just one hit.

GAME 2 – Butler 13, Colby 2 

Butler hit four more home runs in the second game of the doubleheader, including one more grand slam off the bat of Alyson Bressie in the top of the fifth inning. Kaitlyn Wolken, Kate James and Ashley Malone also hit home runs for Butler. James' was a solo shot, while Wolken and Malone both hit three-run homers.

Kelsey Berlin started the game as Butler's pitcher and threw four scoreless innings, allowing three hits while striking out six Colby batters. Brittany Gustin threw the final inning in relief, allowing two hits and two runs.