KOKOMO, Ind. - The Bluffton University softball team bolted out to a quick 2-0 lead, but Earlham rebounded for a 10-2 mercy-rule victory over the Beavers in the HCAC Tournament lidlifter on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Bluffton slipped to 21-16 on the season and will play at 10 a.m. Friday against Manchester University.
A Kaylee Grant (Lima/Shawnee) two-bagger to left center plated Leah Ramirez (Elida) who reached on a fielder's choice and when Earlham's throw to the plate went awry, Grant scurried home for a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first.
Earlham responded with three in the home half and then followed that up with six in the second and one more in the third on the way to a 10-2 victory that required just five innings.
Grant and Ramirez both tallied two hits for the Beavers.
Sophomore Grace Gronberg (Danville) dipped to 12-7 after allowing 10 runs on 11 hits with four strikeouts and a walk.
Bluffton will be back in action at 10 a.m. on Friday from Kokomo High School.
-BEAVERS-
