Softball Swept by Butler in Saturday Doubleheader
Colby Trojans softball faced a tough road test on Saturday (April 18), dropping both games of a doubleheader to Butler in conference play. The Trojans were unable to slow down Butler’s early offensive surges in either contest, falling in run-rule fashion in both games.
EL DORADO, Kan. - Colby Trojans softball faced a tough road test on Saturday (April 18), dropping both games of a doubleheader to Butler in conference play. The Trojans were unable to slow down Butler's early offensive surges in either contest, falling in run-rule fashion in both games.
Game 1
Colby struggled to find any rhythm in Game 1 of the doubleheader, falling 8–0 in five innings to Butler in run-rule fashion.
The Trojans were held hitless on the day, managing just 15 at-bats without reaching base as Butler pitcher Addison Chapman controlled the game from start to finish, striking out four in a complete-game effort.
Butler wasted no time taking control, plating three runs in the opening inning and adding two more in the second to build an early 5–0 advantage. They capitalized on defensive miscues by Colby, with multiple unearned runs extending the lead. The Grizzlies added three more runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by a two-RBI double down the line, to secure the run-rule victory.
Katelyn Zukewich took the loss in the circle for Colby, throwing 4.1 innings while allowing eight runs (four earned) on seven hits with five strikeouts. Colby was unable to generate any offense to counter, as Butler closed out the game in dominant fashion.
Game 2
Colby showed more life offensively in Game 2 but ultimately fell 10–2 in five innings to Butler in El Dorado.
The Grizzlies once again jumped out early, plating four runs in the opening inning behind a three-run home run and adding another RBI single to take quick control. Butler continued to apply pressure with a solo home run in the second and a three-run blast in the third, stretching the lead to 8–0.
Colby broke through in the fourth inning to get on the board. After putting runners in motion, Brooklynn Ekker executed a bunt single that brought home Briley Christensen, cutting into the deficit. The Trojans added another run in the fifth, as Emmy Supernor lined an RBI single up the middle to score Ava Pezely, capping off a stronger offensive showing with seven hits in the game.
Despite the offensive improvement, Butler responded each time. A solo home run in the fourth and an RBI single in the fifth pushed the lead to 10–2 and secured the run-rule victory.
Ava Pezely led the way at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a run scored, while Supernor added two hits and an RBI. Olivia Wirth and Briley Christensen also contributed hits in the effort.
In the circle, Cheyenne Cramer took the loss after allowing eight runs (seven earned) over 2.2 innings. Katelyn Zukewich provided relief, tossing the final two innings and allowing two runs.
Colby finished with seven hits but was unable to overcome Butler's early offensive surge, as the Grizzlies completed the sweep.
With the pair of losses, Colby now sits fourth in the conference standings at 15–8. Hutchinson holds the top spot, followed by Dodge City, with Butler just ahead as well. The Trojans are currently on a four-game skid and will look to bounce back on Wednesday (April 22) as they head to Seward County, aiming to regain momentum in conference play.
