Bluffton Box Score
Catholic Box Score

The Carthage College softball team (2-4, 0-0 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) split a pair of games on Wednesday, March 10 at the Florida “Rebel Games” in Kissimmee, Fla. Carthage shut out Bluffton University (1-4), 2-0, before losing to the Catholic University of America (2-4) by a 9-8 margin. 

In the Bluffton game, Carthage pitcher Kelsey Epping (Sr., Bloomington, Ill./Downs-Tri Valley, 2-0) twirled a six-hit shutout, all singles, while walking five batters and striking out 11. Stevie Cuttitta took the loss for the Beavers. The Lady Reds scored both of their runs in the second inning with two outs. Jenny Burke reached bases on a dropped fly ball by Bluffton centerfielder Shelby Wade. Stephanie Hueramo walked. Meghan Roman singled down the leftfield line, scoring Burke, with Hueramo also scoring on a throwing error by Beavers catcher Meagan Price. Stephanie Noel (Sr., Homer Glen, Ill./Lockport Township) had three of Carthage's six hits and stole a base. 

“It was an off-game for Kelsey Epping with five walks,” said Carthage coach Amy Gillmore, “but she's such an outstanding pitcher that she was able to carry us.” The Lady Reds committed five errors in the loss to Catholic and saw a 5-4 lead disappear in the final inning. Tricia O'Keefe (Jr., Franksville, Wis./Union Grove) went three-for-five with a double and two RBI, while Katie Paulmeyer (Fr., Alsip, Ill./Chicago-Marist) went two-for-four with solo home run. On Thursday, March 11, Carthage plays Aurora University (8-0) at 9 a.m. and Marietta College (4-2) at 1 p.m. The trip concludes on Friday, March 12 with games against Simpson College at 9 a.m. and Wittenberg University at 11 a.m.