May 23, 2007

NAIA ALL-AMERICAN HONORS

Congratulations to J.J. Miller for being selected as a second-team NAIA All-American. Jen Miller led the team with 141.1 innings pitched this season in 28 appearances. Miller had an ERA of 1.78 and posted at 19-5 record with 110 strikeouts. Miller had 3 shutouts this past year and held their opponents to a .215 batting average.

J.J. Miller, a junior pitcher from Omaha, Nebraska, was also selected as the 2007 MCAC and Region IV Pitcher of the Year and pitched 6 innings in a 2-1 nine-inning victory over York College to win the Region IV Championship earning an automatic berth to the NAIA National Championship.

May 18-23, 2007

BELLEVUE AT NAIA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Bellevue University scored a run in the bottom of the seventh and ninth innings to earn an automatic berth to the 2007 NAIA National Tournament in Decatur, Alabama starting this weekend on Friday (May 18). The Bruins are in Pool D with Point Loma Nazarene University (Cali.), Tiffin (Ohio), Saint Gregory's (Okla.) and William Penn University (Ia.).

Bellevue's first pool play games will begin on Friday (May 18) at 3:30 p.m. against Point Loma Nazarene (NAIA No. 3). The day will wrap up with their second game against William Penn University at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, the tournament will conclude their pool play with the Bruins facing Saint Gregory's at 3:30 p.m. and Tiffin at 8:30 p.m.

For complete details, highlights and scores click here for the Official 2007 NAIA National Championship webpage.

LIVE STATS click here.

May 18, 2007
Point Loma Nazarene defeats Bellevue, 9-0 (5)

Box Score

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William Penn defeats Bellevue, 1-0

Box Score

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May 19, 2007
Saint Gregory defeats Bellevue, 2-3

Box Score

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Tiffin defeats Bellevue, 2-3

Box Score

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May 10-11 , 2007

BELLEVUE AWAITS PERU/YORK WINNER

BELLEVUE, NE - - Bellevue University hosted the 2007 Softball Region IV Tournament and have found themselves a game away from the NAIA National Tournament in Decatur, Alabama starting next week; however, the winner between Peru State and York College might have other ideas.

After a day of softball and eight games, Bellevue University remained as the only undefeated team (2-0) and will face the winner between Peru State and York College who play on Friday (May 11) at 1 p.m. The Championship game will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

Scenario, if Bellevue University wins they will earn an automatic bid to the National Tournament. The winner between Peru and York will have to defeat the Bruins twice for the same opportunity.

Ottawa University and Peru State College led off the day with victories over York and Bethany College. Ottawa won 4-2 while Peru State needed three runs in the fifth inning to seal their 8-5 win over Bethany College. In the second round of games, the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds played with Bellevue University defeating Ottawa University 4-0 getting a combined four hitter from their pitching staff. The No. 2 seed Friends University was knocked off by Peru State College, 4-2, with a three-run rally in the final inning after a 10 minute delay after a controversial play in right center field.

In the first elimination games of the day, Ottawa University stayed alive by defeating Bethany College 6-1 ending the Swedes season at 25-23. York College nipped past Friends University, 1-0, with the game-winning run in the top of the 8th inning sending the Falcons home with a record of 30-14.

With two games remaining for the day, Bellevue advanced to the Championship game with a close 3-0 win Peru State College, all three runs coming in the second inning. York College advanced to Friday with a 5-2 win over Ottawa University who played four games on the day going 2-2 and ending their year at 26-18.

Highlights of the day were Jessica Wilson (York) going 3-for-3 against Ottawa University in the first game of the day and Alyssa Towey (Bellevue) also going a perfect 3-for-3 in a win over Peru State. Brittany Chavez (Bethany) was 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs in a 5-8 loss to Peru State who got a 3-for-4 performance from Nicole Mercer. Marie Poole was 2-for-4 with 4 RBIs in the deciding factor of the final inning in their 4-2 win over Friends University. Rhiannon Treat was 3-for-4 in York's third game of the day winning 1-0 over Friends.

After a day of competition, the Bruins as a team led all competitors with a batting average of .321 while Peru State College and Ottawa University tied for the most runs scored with 12. Ottawa had 25 hits in their four games of the day with York hitting 5 doubles. The Braves, of Ottawa University, led all teams with 3 homeruns while Peru State was 3-for-3 in stolen bases.

Individually, Jamie Miller (Ottawa), Rhiannon Treat (York) and Jessica Wilson (York), lead all batters with five hits each, while

Marie Poole (Peru) and Sharee Joyner (Ottawa) each had 4 RBIs. Danielle Metzler (Peru) and Nikki Kalasky (Bellevue) had the only triples of the day while Samantha Goldammer (York) led all pitchers with 15 strikeouts in 13 innings pitched. Jennifer Miller (Bellevue) had 9 strikeouts getting 8 from Laura Kjar (Peru).

Region IV Seeds:

1. Bellevue University (Neb.)
2. Friends University (Kan.)
3. Peru State College (Neb.)
4. York College (Neb.)
5. Ottawa University (Neb.)
6. Bethany College (Kan.)


Day 1 (May 10):
Game 1 - Ottawa University defeated York College, 4-2 - Box Score
Game 2 - Peru State College defeated Bethany College, 8-5 - Box Score
Game 3 - Bellevue University defeated Ottawa University, 4-0 - Box Score
Game 4 - Peru State College defeated Friends University, 4-2 - Box Score
Game 5 - Ottawa University defeated Bethany College, 6-1 (Bethany Eliminated) - Box Score
Game 6 - York College defeated Friends University, 1-0 (8) (Friends Eliminated) - Box Score
Game 7 - Bellevue University defeated Peru State College, 3-0 - Box Score
Game 8 - York College defeated Ottawa University, 5-2 (Ottawa University) - Box Score


Day 2 (May 11):
Game 9 - York College defeated Peru State College, 4-0 - Box Score
Game 10 - Bellevue University defeated York College, 2-1 (9) (Championship) - Box Score

May 4, 2007

BRUINS CROWNED MCAC TOURNEY CHAMPS

Due to the rainy conditions over the past few days the 2007 MCAC Softball Tournament was cancelled due to the unplayable field conditions. The 2007 MCAC Tournament Champions will be Bellevue University who remained undefeated at 2-0 as Peru State will be the runner-up at 1-1 since they defeated York College earlier in the Tournament, York will be third.

All three teams will advance to the Region IV Tournament starting on Thursday (May 10) hosted by Bellevue University. Bellevue had an automatic bid as regular season MCAC Champions, Peru will advance as they MCAC Tournament runner-up and York will play in the region tournament as an at-large bid.

May 3, 2007

TOP THREE SEEDS LEFT IN TOURNAMENT

BELLEVUE, NE - - The No. 1 seed Bellevue University will play in the 2007 MCAC Tournament Championship game on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. with two victories in day one, 11-1 over College of Saint Mary and 2-0 over Peru State College.

York College, No. 2 seed, went 3-1 at the Tournament with an opening round 8-4 win over Haskell Indian Nations University, a close 2-3 loss to Peru State College. York then defeated Park University 7-1 and Haskell for a second time 7-2 advancing to the semi-finals game against Peru State College.

Peru State College, the No. 2 seed, defeated York College in the first round and lost to Bellevue in the second round, 0-2. The Bobcats will face the Panthers for a second time in this tournament in the semi-finals starting at 1 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

College of Saint Mary started off the day with a thrilling back-and-forth 14-8 win over No. 4 seed Park University but lost their second round game to the host Bruins and ended their season with a loss to Haskell, 6-15 in five innings.

Park University dropped both their games with an 8-14 loss to College of Saint Mary and York College, 1-7. Haskell Indian Nations University lost their first round game to York after holding a 4-0 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh inning. York rallied in the bottom of the inning scoring 8 runs for the victory. Haskell then preceded on to defeat College of Saint Mary 14-6 in an elimination game.

Highlights of the day were; Haskell winning their first conference tournament game, Danielle Workman from College of Saint Mary hitting back-to-back homeruns with 5 RBIs in a loss while York rallied with 8 runs to stay alive in their first round game as York College's Jessica Wilson leads the tournament with 7 hits. MCAC Player of the Year, Peru's Tabitha Foster is 0-5 in two games, with the MCAC Pitcher of the Year, Bellevue's J.J. Miller is 1-0 in a complete game win with 5 strikeouts.

Box Scores:
Saint Mary (Neb.) 14, Park University 8 (G1)
York (Neb.) 8, Haskell (Kan.) 4 (G2)
Bellevue University 11, Saint Mary (Neb.) 1 (G3)
Peru State (Neb.) 3, York (Neb.) 2 (G4)
Haskell (Kan.) 15, Saint Mary (Neb.) 6 (G5)
York (Neb.) 7, Park University 1 (G6)
Bellevue University 2, Peru State (Neb.) 0 (G7)
York College 7, Haskell (Kan.) 2 (G8)

MCAC Tournament - Game Schedule

May 4, 2007
#3 York College vs. #2 Peru State College, 3 p.m. (SF)
#3/#2 Winner vs. Bellevue University, 5 p.m. (NF) - Championship Game

SF - South Field
NF - North Field

April 28, 2007

BRUINS WRAP UP SEASON WITH VICTORY

OMAHA, NE - - Bellevue University wrapped up their regular season schedule with a conference victory over College of Saint Mary on Saturday afternoon 4-2 in a make-up game from early April. The Bruins improve to 29-4 on the season and 13-1 in the conference and will be the host and No. 1 seed in the MCAC Tournament next week. College of Saint Mary falls to 11-16 overall and will be the No. 5 seed with an 4-8 MCAC record.

Bellevue University scored first in the top of the third inning when Alyssa Towey doubled to center field. Jen Strohman doubled to score Towey giving the Bruins a 1-0 lead extending their lead in the top of the fourth inning with a pair of runs going up 3-0.

In the bottom of the inning, College of Saint Mary got a lead off double by Kim Dana. Anne Proulx homered on a full count to bring the Flames to within a single run, 3-2. Bellevue got an insurance run in the top of the fifth inning on a hit by pitch giving Sarah Walck first base. Pinch-hitter Jenny Gawart then singled to right center field scoring Walck all the way from first putting Bellevue up 4-2.

Bellevue's Erica Zerkle came in to relieve Bridget Niedermyer in the bottom of the fifth and retired the next six batters. In the last inning, Amy Proulx singled to put a runner on first with no outs for Saint Mary. Zerkle got Ashley Amick to strike out looking, Ashley McGuire to groundout and Fawn Bowen to pop-out to end the game.

Jennifer Strohman (Chino, CA) and Jenny Gawart (Nebraska City, NE) led the Bruins with two hits each while Kayla Edick, Nikki Kalasky, and Alyssa Towey had the final three hits. Bridget Niedermyer improves to 3-0 on the season allowing 2 runs on 3 hits in 4 innings with a pair of strikeouts. Erica Zerkle recorded her second save of the year getting two Flames to strikeout in 3 innings of work.

Amy Proulx led the Flames going 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs and a homerun while Kim Dana and Ashley McQuire had the teams remaining hits. Anne Proulx recorded the loss allowing 4 runs, 2 earned, on 6 hits in 5 2/3 innings of work. She surrendered 3 walks in the loss while Beth Nichelson-King pitched 1 1/3 inning in relief striking out three.

Bellevue will now prepare for the MCAC Tournament next week starting on Thursday (May 3) as they will host the event. The Bruins will be the No. 1 seed and play the winner between #4 Park University and #5 College of Saint Mary. The game times have yet to be determined.

BOX SCORE

April 27, 2007

BRUINS WIN REGULAR SEASON TITLE WITH SWEEP

BELLEVUE, NE - - The 16th rated Bellevue University Bruins swept Peru State College on Friday night to win the regular season conference title, 2-1 and 6-2. The Bruins will host the 2007 MCAC Tournament next week starting on Thursday, May 3, with the times and seeds yet to be determined. Bellevue improves to 28-4 on the year and 12-1 in the conference as Peru State will finish the regular season with a record of 35-18 and 11-3 in the MCAC.

Peru State College took a 1-0 lead in the first game in the second inning when Tabitha Foster reached base on a walk. She advanced to second on a Brittany Fry ground-out and to third on a Danielle Metzler single. Foster put the Bobcats up on a Bruin fielding error taking a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third inning, Bellevue's Jacque Bowden singled to left field and pinch-runner, Sarah Ingraham, reached third base on a throwing error on an Alyssa Towey sac bunt attempt. With two runners on and no outs, Sara Chancellor doubled to center field scoring Ingraham advancing Towey to third. Jen Strohman then pushed across the winning RBI on a suicide squeeze bunt that worked to perfection.

Peru State College was unable to rally after leaving 4 runners on base over the final four innings. Bellevue wrapped up the game one victory with a Kathleen Brown fly out leaving a runner on second base.

Bellevue got four combined hits in the game from senior's Sara Chancellor (1-for-3), Nikki Kalasky (1-for-2), Jacque Bowden (1-for-2) and Alyssa Towey (1-for-1). Towey had her fifth stolen base of the season while the Bruins left five runners on base. Chelsey White (7-2) picked up the win scattering 5 hits allowing one unearned run in the complete game getting 5 strikeouts.

Peru State College got two hits from lead-off batter Jen Siedlik (2-for-4) while Brittany Fry, Danielle Metzler and Amy Mitchell had the remaining Bobcat hits. Tabitha Foster had the complete game loss allowing 2 runs on 4 hits in 6 innings. She had 2 walks and 4 strikeouts in the game.

In the night-cap, the Bruins took a 2-0 lead in the second inning powered behind a 2 RBI single by Sara Chancellor, but the Bobcats scored a pair of runs in the top of the third inning when the Bruins committed a pair of errors in the inning.

With the game tied, 2-2, Bellevue got a lead off walk from Sarah Walck (Council Bluffs, IA) in the bottom half of the third. Lori Huelskamp singled to left center putting runner on first and third with no outs. Nikki Kalasky then chose an opportune time to record her first career homerun as a Bruin putting the team up 5-2. Still with no outs, Erica Zerkle kept the inning alive with the teams third straight hit. Zerkle reach third base on a wild pitch then scored on an Alyssa Towey single putting Bellevue in the driver's seat, 6-2.

Bellevue pitcher, Jen Miller, then got in a groove and retired 12 of the next 13 Bobcat batters. The only hit in the final four innings for Peru was from Tabitha Foster, her only hit of the day. Miller got the final three batters to foul out, ground out and fly out to seal the sweep and the MCAC regular season title for Bellevue.

Nikki Kalasky (Omaha, NE) led the Bruins going 2-for-3 at the plate with 3 RBIs and 2 runs. Sara Chancellor was 1-for-4 with 2 RBIs while Lori Huelskamp, Erica Zerkle, Kayla Edick and Alyssa Towey scattered the remaining five hits of the game. Jen Miller won her 15th game of the season allowing two unearned runs on 2 hits with 7 strikeouts.

York College had two hits in the game, one from Tabitha Foster and the other from Danielle Metzler. McKayla Clark and Metzler scored the only runs as Jen Siedlik had an RBI. Laura Kjar had the loss allowing 6 runs on 7 hits in 3 innings of work. Jocelyn Anson pitched 3 innings of relief retiring the final nine Bruin batters as both teams combined for only a single base runner in the final four innings.

Bellevue will finish up their regular- and conference schedule with a single game on Saturday against cross-town rival College of Saint Mary. The first pitch is scheduled for 12 noon. Next week, Bellevue will prepare for the 2007 MCAC Tournament as they will host at Haworth Park in Bellevue starting on Thursday, May 3rd.

BOX SCORE G1

BOX SCORE G2

April 26, 2007

BELLEVUE'S STREAK ENDS WITH SPLIT AGAINST YORK

BELLEVUE, NE - - Bellevue University moved up two spots in the NAIA rankings on Wednesday to 16th, then had their win streak ended on Thursday evening with a 0-1 loss to York College in the first game of the double-header. Bellevue rebounded in game two to win 4-1 putting them at 26-4 overall and 10-1 in the MCAC as York College goes to 30-17 overall and 9-3 in the conference.

York College scored the only run in the top of the first inning on a Jessica Wilson homerun and that is all that Samantha Goldammer needed. Goldammer carried a no-hitter into the 6th inning when Bellevue's Sara Chancellor doubled to break it up. Chancellor was left stranded at second with two outs when Kayla Edick struck out.

Bellevue had a chance to tie up the game in the bottom of the 7th inning when Lori Huelskamp singled to left field, then advanced to second base after an Erica Zerkle walk. With two outs, Bellevue had their 20-game win-streak ended when Liz Davis popped to York's shortstop.

The Bruins got their only two hits from Sara Chancellor and Lori Huelskamp as Chelsey White (6-2) picked up the loss allowing 5 hits and a single run with 4 strikeouts.

York College's Danielle Allen was 2-for-3 while Jessica Wilson had a homerun with the only run scored. Samantha Goldammer, the MCAC and Region IV Pitcher of the Week, recorded the victory pitching the complete game. Samantha allowed only 2 hits with 6 strikeouts.

In the second game, Bellevue scored first with a lead-off homerun by Sara Chancellor (2-for-4, 2 runs). Kayla Edick singled and moved to second on a Sarah Walck groundout. Lori Huelskamp singled putting runners on first and second with one out. Whitney Kinman had a deep fly ball that landed at the bottom of the fence in left field scoring Edick from third after a Nikki Kalasky walk to load the bases. Huelskamp scored to take a 3-0 lead on a Jacque Bowden single.

York College scored a run in the top of the second inning after Ashlee Huffer reached base on a throwing error. Deanna Carey reached on a fielder's choice then later scored on a passed ball bringing the score to 3-1. The Bruins added another run in the fourth inning when Walck scored Chancellor on a two-out single.

Belevue University had 2 hits each from Sara Chancellor and Sarah Walck as Chancellor hit her 5th homerun of the season. Lori Huelskamp, Kayla Edick, Whitney Kinman and Jacque Bowden combined for the remaining eight Bruin hits. Jen Miller picked up the victory allowing an unearned run on 3 hits with 4 strikeouts.

Nikki Ploen will pick up the loss for York College allowing 4 runs on 8 hits with 2 strikeouts and a walk. Ploen, Ashlee Huffer and Tiffany Best had the Panthers' three hits in the game. Samantha Goldammer pitched two innings of relief striking out all six batters she faced.

Bellevue will host Peru State College on Friday evening starting at 4 p.m. With Bellevue's loss to York, the game against Peru State will very well determine the regular season conference champion and the host site for the 2007 MCAC Tournament. Bellevue will finish their season with a make-up game on Saturday at College of Saint Mary starting at 12 noon.

BOX SCORE G1

BOX SCORE G2

April 21, 2007

WALCK HITS TWO HOMERUNS IN SWEEP

BELLEVUE, NE - - The Bellevue University softball team, rated No. 18 in NAIA, ran their win streak to 20 games with a double-header sweep over Park University on Saturday afternoon, 7-1 and 7-0. Bellevue improved to 25-3 on the year and stays undefeated and in first place in the conference at 9-0. Park University falls to 15-22 overall and a game under .500 in the MCAC at 6-7.

Bellevue scored first in game one with Sara Chancellor (1-for-4) leading off the inning with a double down the left field line. Chancellor scored when Kayla Edick reach on a Park error. Bellevue increased their lead to 2-0 by the end of the second inning and had a 5-0 lead by the fourth after Sarah Walck hit her 9th homerun of the season.

Park University scored in the top of the fifth inning when Ashley Kirk singled to start the inning. Kirk advanced to second base and scored on a Katie Immele single with two outs. With the score 5-1 in favor of the host Bruins, Bellevue extended their lead and game final 7-1 with two more runs in the bottom of the fifth powered behind a Jacque Bowden 2 RBI single.

Liz Davis was a perfect 3-for-3 in the game for Bellevue as was Bowden going 2-for-2. Sarah Walck was 2-for-3 with 2 runs and an RBI as Bellevue pounded out 11 hits. Chelsey White (Oshkosh, NE) improves to 6-1 on the season pitching the complete game. White scattered 7 hits in the game allowing one unearned run with 9 strikeouts, one less than her season best.

Mary Beth Bourne was 2-for-3 for Park University in the loss as Ashley Kirk went 2-for-3 with the only run scored. Three other Pirate batters recorded the final three hits in the game. Jamie German pitched the complete game loss allowing 7 runs on 11 hits with 5 strikeouts and 3 walks.

In the second game, both teams were tied until the bottom of the third inning with Sarah Walck hit her team-leading 10th homerun of the year. Walck and Kayla Edick both scored taking a 2-0 lead. As the winds picked up, the fifth inning got the best of Park as they surrendered five runs giving Bellevue the 7-0 victory.

Bellevue's 1-3 hitters were a combined 6-11 in the game with 4 RBIs. Edick scored twice while Walck was 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs. Erica Zerkle (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) was 1-for-2 with an RBI. Jen Miller registered the victory improving to 13-2 in the complete game shutout. Miller scattered 4 hits getting 6 strikeouts, putting her total at 78 for the season.

Park University had 2 hits from Brittany Lowderman (2-for-3) getting the remaining hits from Megan Goings and Miranda McWilliams. Ashley Kirk had the loss allowing 7 runs, 3 earned on 10 hits in 6 innings pitched. Kirk had 3 strikeouts and a walk.

Bellevue will complete their regular and conference schedule next week with five games. On Tuesday, Bellevue will play the make-up game against College of Saint Mary starting at 5 p.m. in Omaha and will host York College on Wednesday starting at 5 p.m. The Bruins' will finish out their conference play on Friday (Apr. 27) with a double-header hosting Peru State College, first pitched scheduled at 4 p.m.

BOX SCORE G1

BOX SCORE G2

April 20, 2007

BELLEVUE WINS WILD ONE, STREAK CONTINUES

BELLEVUE, NE - - Bellevue University won their 18th straight game with two victories over Haskell Indian Nations University on Friday evening, 7-4 and 13-5. Bellevue improves to 23-3 overall and stays undefeated in the MCAC with a record of 7-0. Haskell goes to 13-25 overall and 2-6 in the conference.

The Bruins opened up a 7-0 lead in the first game by the fourth inning, but saw it disappear as the visiting Fightin' Indians scored three run in the top of the fifth inning putting the score at 7-3. Haskell managed a single run in the seventh inning for a final of 7-4.

Lori Huelskamp (Omaha, NE) led Bellevue at the plate going 3-for-4 as four other players recorded multi-hit games; Jen Strohman was 2-for-4, MCAC and Region IV player of the week, Sarah Walck, was 2-for-3, Nikki Kalasky going 2-for-4 while Kayla Edick was also 2-for-4 in the win. Edick had a pair of RBIs while Chelsey White pitched 5 innings for the victory allowing 3 runs on 9 hits. Bridge Niedermyer pitched 2 innings in relief allowing 1 run on 2 hits with a pair of strikeouts.

Haskell University had two homeruns and a 3-for-4 performance from lead-off batter Angie Amador with a pair of RBIs. April Johnston was a perfect 4-for-4 in the loss while Kristen McGirt had two RBIs. Abby Fire registered the loss allowing 7 runs on 14 hits in the complete game with 3 walks.

In the second game Bellevue was in the midst of a run-rule game by the second inning holding an eight run lead, 9-1. Those thoughts quickly diminished as Haskell scored 4-runs in the top of the third inning closing the gap at 9-5. Bellevue added a run in the bottom of the inning and closed the door with 3 runs over the next two innings getting the run-rule after all, 13-5.

Bellevue batted .523 in the win pounding out 13 runs on 11 hits. Sarah Walck and Nikki Kalasky were each 3-for-3 with a combined 7 RBIs, Walck with 5. Sara Chancellor scored 4 times in the game going 2-for-2 with an RBI while Whitney Kinman was 1-for-3 with 2 RBIs off the left-center fence. Erica Zerkle picked up the victory pitching three shutout innings in relief allowing a single hit with 4 strikeouts.

April Johnston led Haskell going 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs while six other batters combined for the remaining six hits. Nicole Bennett got the loss surrendering 13 runs on 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings pitched. She walked seven batters and hit three.

Bellevue will finish their weekend with a double-header against Park University on Saturday. Bellevue will host Park starting at 1 p.m. at Haworth Park in Bellevue. Bellevue is riding an 18-game win streak and would like to stay atop the MCAC but Park did split with the Bruins last year.

BOX SCORE G1

BOX SCORE G2

April 17, 2007

LEHOTAK RECORDS 400TH VICTORY

SEWARD, NE - - Ed Lehotak was a happy man after Bellevue's double-header sweep of Concordia University (Neb.) on Tuesday evening, not only did his team win their 16th straight game with 6-5 and 5-4 victories, but he also recorded his 400th career victory as the team improved to 21-3 on the season, their best start since 2000 (22-2).

Ed said of his career milestone, "I give credit to the players, the team this year is focused and they play very hard. It takes players, past and present, to work hard all season to accomplish a milestone like this." The season started with high expectations as the team won all three games at the Evangel University Tournament to start the year. During spring break, Bellevue was 2-3. "The turning point this season, I feel, was in Myrtle Beach. The team lost a game I feel they had no business losing on our last day out there." In 24 games thus far, Bellevue has won 16 games in a row, gave Morningside their first losses, defeated preseason-rated Evangel University (#14), and has picked up six victories over NCAA DII institutions climbing the ranks to No. 19 in NAIA.

The evening got better for Coach Lehotak as he also found out after the game that his pitcher, Jen Miller, and catcher, Sarah Walck, won Region IV pitcher and player of the week. This news was received after finding out that Peru State College lost to College of Saint Mary giving the Bruins sole possession of first place in the MCAC. "It wasn't one our team's best games of the season, and it's a testament to all the players since our award winners didn't have their best performances tonight." For the Bruins, it's the sixth time this season the team has won with game-winning runs in the final innings, "We just find a way to win", said Coach Lehotak of the teams late-inning success, "…but when the day is over, a win, is a win, is a win."

In the first game, the Bruins scored first as Sarah Walck (2-for-3, 2-runs) singled with two outs and scored on a Lori Huelskamp double. Nikki Kalasky walked putting runners on first and second but the inning stalled as Erica Zerkle popped to the infield.

Concordia tied up the game (1-1) when Royuk singled to lead off the inning. Royuk (1-for-3) stole second base after Simmon struck out on a sac bunt attempt. Mol singled to center putting a runner in scoring position. Mol stole the Bulldogs second base of the inning putting two runners in scoring position. Huckestein (1-for-3, 2 RBI) walked to load the bases with one out. The Bruin catcher, Walck, had a throwing error allowing Royuk to score as all Bulldog runners advanced a base; however, the big inning ended with a groundout by Shaffer.

Concordia took the lead, 2-1, in the bottom of the second when Lambrecht scored on an error by Bellevue's centerfielder. Bellevue reclaimed the lead in the top of the third with three runs (4-2). Walck led off the inning with a base on balls followed by a sac bunt by Huelskamp. Kalasky reached base on an error sending Walck across home plate. Liz Davis singled to score pinch runner, Kim Haugen, as Davis later scored Bellevue's third run of the inning.

The Bulldogs battled back by scoring three runs to take the lead, 5-4, with a lead off single by Simmons. Mol bunt singled to put two runners on with no outs. Huckestein had a 2-run double to left center tying the game at 4-4. Huckestein scored on a Shaffer fielder's choice taking a one-run lead (5-4).

In the top of the seventh, Jacque Bowden reached base on a fielding error by Concordia's first baseman. Kayla Edick had a sac bunt to move pinch runner, Whitney Kinman, to third base and Alyssa Towey to second after her walk. After Jen Strohman struck out, Walck was intentionally walked to load the bases. Huelskamp tied the game on a RBI full-count walk. With the bases loaded, Kalasky was hit by pitch bringing across Towey for the game-winning run.

Bellevue pitcher, Jen Miller picked up the victory as Mol (2-for-4, 1-run) had a strike out, Huckestein popped to center and Hehn popped to shortstop to end the game. Miller went 3 innings in relief for her 11th win of the season as Chelsey White pitched 4 innings in the no-decision allowing 5 runs, 3 earned, on 5 hits with 4 strikeouts. Concordia starter, Bergen, pitched 5 innings allowing 4 runs, 1 earned, on 7 hits walking 5 batters. Hehn picked up the loss yielding 2 runs, neither earned, on 1 hit, giving 5 free passes to Bruin batters.

In the second game, the Bruins jumped on the Bulldogs early with three runs in the first inning powered behind a 2-RBI single by Liz Davis (1-for-3, 2 RBI). Bellevue added a third run when Alyssa Towey (0-for-2, run) scored on a wild pitch taking a 4-0 lead.

Concordia's half of the second inning, Shaffer scored to put the Bulldogs on the board. In the bottom half of the fourth, Concordia pulled to within a run (3-4) scoring twice in the inning with back-to-back RBIs from Shaffer (1-for-1, run, RBI) and Hehn (1-for-2).

Bellevue ended up scoring what led to be the game-winning run in the top of the fifth inning when Jacque Bowden (1-for-3, RBI) singled to right center allowing Nikki Kalasky to score putting Bellevue up 5-3. In the bottom half of the inning, Huckestein (1-for-3) doubled scoring Jeppesen.

Erica Zerkle picked up the save for Bellevue as she retired six of Concordia's final seven batters to hold for Coach Lehotak's 400th win. Jen Miller (12-2) picked up the victory allowing 3 runs on 4 hits with 4 strikeouts in 4 innings. Zerkle pitched 3 innings allowing a run on 1 hit for the save.

Hehn, Concordia pitcher, picked up the loss allowing 5 runs on 7 hits in 6 1/3 innings pitched. Concordia goes to 16-15 on the season. Four different Bulldog players had hits in the game as both teams combined for 5 batters being hit by pitch.

Bellevue will get back into their conference schedule this weekend as they will host Haskell Indian Nations University on Friday (Apr. 20) at 5 p.m. and Park University on Saturday (Apr. 21) starting at 12 noon. Bellevue will make a final push for the post-season next week as they will play five important conference games; a road make-up game against College of Saint Mary on Tuesday (Apr. 24), home against York College (Apr. 25) and close out the season on Friday (Apr. 27) hosting Peru State College.

BOX SCORE G1

BOX SCORE G2

April 14, 2007

BRUINS RUN STREAK TO 14 GAMES

BELLEVUE, NE - - Bellevue University, rated No. 19 in NAIA, increased their winning streak to 14 games with a double-header sweep of Central Christian College in conference action on Saturday afternoon. The game was moved to Bellevue after a severe storm and snow made the games unplayable in McPherson. Bellevue improved to 5-0 in the conference with a game-one 4-2 victory and a run-rule, 8-0, victory in the second game of the twin-bill. The Bruins have now hit eight homeruns in their last four games.

In the first game, Bellevue scored first to take a 1-0 lead but Central Christian scored runs in the top of the second and third taking a 2-1 lead. The visiting Tigers held their 2-1 lead until the bottom of the sixth inning when Sarah Walck smashed her fifth homerun of the season to take a 3-2 lead.

Bellevue added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning when senior Jacque Bowden singled up the middle to score pinch-runner, Whitney Kinman, from third base. The Bruins held on in the top of the seventh inning when Jen Miller got two of three Tiger batters to strikeout followed by a game-ending groundout.

Central Christian (7-21, 1-8) got multi-hit games from Heather Krulatz, Coco Lehman and Lindsey Wood. Wood led the team going 2-for-3 with a run and RBI. Christy Samuel picked up the loss pitching the complete game allowing four runs on 10 hits without recording a single strikeout. The Tigers left eight runners on base in the loss.

Bellevue got a stellar performance from Sarah Walck (Council Bluffs, IA) going 3-for-3 with a homerun and the game-winning RBIs in the sixth inning. Walck also added a pair of runs. Lori Huelskamp and Jacque Bowden each went 2-for-3 in the victory as Whitney Kinman and lead-off batter, Sara Chancellor, added runs. Huelskamp recorded her sixth double of the season while Jen Miller got her 10th victory pitching four innings in relief. Miller scattered two hits and had seven strikeouts. Chelsey White had the no-decision pitching three innings yielding two runs on seven hits with two strikeouts.

In the second game, Bellevue had two homeruns in the game and scored four runs in the third and fifth innings to win 8-0 in five innings. Central Christian had a no-hitter going against Bellevue until the third inning when senior Kayla Edick (Omaha, NE) singled up the middle to score pinch-runner, Kara Erwin, and Alyssa Towey after back-to-back walks and a Chancellor sac bunt. The Bruins added two more runs when Sarah Walck hit her second homerun of the day, sixth of the year and fourth in as many games, on a 1-1 count to left field taking a 4-0 lead.

The Bruins wrapped up their 19th victory of the season by scoring four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning capped off by a 3-run double by senior Nikki Kalasky, her 10th of the season. Sara Chancellor led off the inning with a 2-0 count homerun to center field, her third homer in the past four games.

Central Christian goes to 7-22 overall and 1-9 in the MCAC with the shutout loss. Aubri Brock went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate as Brittany Legino was also perfect, 2-for-2. Rebecca Mathews added a hit as did Misty Moris for the Tigers' seven team hits. Misty Morris had a no-hitter until the third inning getting the loss allowing eight runs on seven hits, all coming in the final three innings. She pitched 4 1/3 innings getting two strikeouts.

Bellevue (19-3) got 2-for-3 performances with two runs and 2 RBIs each from Kayla Edick and Sarah Walck. Nikki Kalasky was 1-for-2 with 3 RBIs as Chancellor, Huelskamp, Kara Erwin and Towey scored the remaining runs. Erica Zerkle improved to 4-0 on the season lowering her ERA to a team leading 1.43 as she picked up the victory pitching four shutout innings scattering five hits. Miller finished the game with a single inning of relief getting all three batters to strikeout.

The Bruins will be on the road next Tuesday (Apr. 17) as they will face Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. The first pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. Bellevue will have home games next weekend as they will host Haskell Indian Nations on Friday (Apr. 20) and Park University on Saturday (Apr. 21). Friday's game is scheduled for 5 p.m. and a 12 noon start for Saturday. Both games next weekend will be conference double-headers.

BOX SCORE G1

BOX SCORE G2

April 12, 2007

BRUINS SCORES 26 RUNS IN SWEEP

BARTLESVILLE, OK - Bellevue University, moving to No. 19 in the NAIA, scored 26 runs in two games to sweep Oklahoma Wesleyan University in conference play on Thursday evening. Bellevue won the first game 15-1 in five innings then won the second game by the score of 11-1 to improve to 3-0 in the MCAC and 17-3 overall.

In the first game, Bellevue had three homeruns in the game followed by a pair of homeruns in the second game. In both of the Bruins' victories, they scored 26 runs on 25 hits, had 5 homeruns and 7 doubles. In the third inning of the first game, Bellevue sent 11 players to the plate. In game two sent all nine batters to the plate in the sixth inning to give the team their second run-rule victory of the evening.

With the schedule changes, Bellevue will head back home and get ready to face Central Christian College on Saturday afternoon starting at 3 p.m. The location of the game will now be played in Bellevue since the weather is not cooperating in Kansas. Friday's game against Newman has been cancelled.

BOX SCORE G1

BOX SCORE G2

April 10, 2007

BELLEVUE/PERU STATE POSTPONED

The Bellevue University/Peru State College softball game scheduled for today at 4 p.m. at Haworth Park in Bellevue has been POSTPONED due to the wet and rainy conditions.

The make-up date will be on Friday (Apr. 27) with the game times being the same, a double-header starting at 4 p.m.

April 5, 2007

BELLEVUE/BRIAR CLIFF CANCELLED

The 20th rated Bellevue University Bruins have CANCELLED their double-header against Briar Cliff University scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday evening. Because of the cold front that is affecting a majority of the midwest, it was decided to try to reschedule for a warmer date.

April 3, 2007

BELLEVUE WINS MCAC OPENER

The No. 21 rated Bruins won their conference season opener against cross-town rival, College of Saint Mary, 1-0. Alyssa Towey scored the only run of the game as Bellevue's junior leftfielder, Jen Strohman, singled to drive in Towey from second base. Bellevue improves their win streak to 10 games and 15-3 overall.

Chelsey White surrendered only a single hit in the game with six strikeouts at she increases her scoreless inning streak to 14 innings. This was her third shutout of the season. Bellevue had two hits; Strohman's single in the third and Kayla Edick blooper between the pitcher and shortstop.

College of Saint Mary, 7-9 overall and 0-1 in the MCAC, had their single hit from Ashley Amick in the fifth inning. Anne Proulx had the loss throwing all seven innings as she allowed two hits and the lone run.

The second game of the double-header was postponed because of the temperature. A make-up date will be determined late, check the website for updates.

Bellevue has a game scheduled on Thursday (Apr. 5) against Briar Cliff University at 5 p.m. However, because of the weather this week, check the website for updates concerning the status of the game.

BOX SCORE (Game 1)

March 30-31, 2007

BRUIN INVITATIONAL CANCELLED

The Bellevue University Invitational scheduled for this weekend has been CANCELLED due to the continued rain that has caused unplaying field conditions. There will be no make-up date for these games. Please continue to check the website for additional updates.

March 28, 2007

BRUINS INCREASE STREAK TO NINE

FREMONT, NE - - Bellevue University jumped three spots in the NAIA rating from No. 24 to No. 21, then traveled to Fremont, Nebraska to face Midland Lutheran. After the double-header, Bellevue improved their winning streak to nine games, their largest such streak since winning nine games right before post-season in 2004. The Bruins won the first game 3-0 and held off a seventh inning rally to hold off Midland Lutheran for a second win, 5-4.

In the first game, Bellevue scored twice in the first inning led-off with a Jen Strohman single followed by a Sarah Walck double. Nikki Kalasky doubled and pushed both runners across the plate taking a 2-0 lead. Both teams were held scoreless in the second inning when Bellevue added another run in the top of the third to increase their lead to 3-0. That would be last time in the game either team would score.

Bellevue was led by Lori Huelskamp going 3-for-4 at the plate with an RBI while Nikki Kalasky was 1-for-4 with 2 RBIs. Sarah Walck added a pair of hits as five other batters combined for the teams remaining five hits. Chelsey White improved to 3-1 on the season pitching the complete game shutout lowering her ERA to 2.22.

Midland Lutheran College, 9-16 overall, got three of the teams six hits from Grebert going 3-for-3 at the plate. Gataivasa was 2-for-3 in the game with the remaining Warrior hits coming from Ruhl. Sladek picked up the loss allowing three runs on 10 hits with four strikeouts in the complete game.

The second game was a bit tighter, as Bellevue scored twice in the top of the seventh inning to increase the lead to three, 5-2, but Midland rallied behind a 2-run pinch-hit homer by Brue. With one out, Bruin pitcher, Jen Miller shut down the come-back attempt getting the next two batters to fly-out and ground-out the end the game.

Two scoreless innings past before the first run was scored in the top of third inning by Bellevue when Sara Chancellor was sac bunted to third base after a lead-off double. Sarah Walck singled to push Chancellor across the plate taking a 1-0 lead.

In the fifth inning, senior Alyssa Towey started off the at-bat with a single. Chancellor had her turn at a sacrifice to advance Towey to second. Jen Strohman reached base on an error by the shortstop moving Towey to third. With runners on first and third and two outs, Walck reached first base on a walk to load the bases. Huelskamp singled to drive in runners from second and third taking a 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, Midland scored their first runs in 13 innings against Bellevue that was started with a Grebert single. Grebert moved onto second with a passed ball and to third on a Schwarz single. Gataivasa walked to load the bases and the Warriors scored on a 2-run single by Ruhl.

With the score, 3-2, Bellevue added a pair of runs in the top of the seventh inning. Chancellor reached base with a walk and advanced to second on a Strohman sac bunt. Walck recorded her third double of the night scoring Chancellor from second to put the Bruins up 4-2. Nikki Kalasky doubled to send around pinch-runner Kara Erwin to score, Erwin's score also ended up being the game-winning run.

Midland Lutheran had their 2-run homer in the bottom of the inning but fell short as their final two batters recorded outs to end the rally.

Erica Zerkle had a perfect game at the plate for Bellevue (14-3) going 4-for-4 as Sara Walck and Lori Huelskamp were both 2-for-4 batting, each with 2 RBIs. Jen Miller won her eighth game of the year with four strikeouts in the complete game. She allowed two runs on five hits taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

Midland Lutheran (9-17) got five hits in the game, all from different batters, as Ruhl and pinch-hitter Brue combined for the teams four RBIs. Theis gave up 12 hits and five runs in seven innings of work.

With the Bruins winning their ninth game in a row, Bellevue has improved to 14-3 on the season putting them 11 games over .500. This is the best 17 game start for Bellevue since 2000 when they went 15-2 en route to a 56-12 record and tying the mark in 2002, going 14-3.

This weekend, Bellevue will be hosting their first annual Invitational starting at 4 p.m. this Friday (Mar. 30) when they will face Briar Cliff University. The evening will conclude with a night-cap against Midland Lutheran College at 6 p.m. Bellevue's Invitational will end on Saturday (Mar. 31) with a pair of games; first at 1 p.m. against Midland followed by a 3 p.m. game against Briar Cliff.

BOX SCORE (Game 1)

BOX SCORE (Game 2)

March 24, 2007

BELLEVUE/NORTHWESTERN CANCELLED

Bellevue's game against Northwestern that was scheduled for 1 p.m. has been CANCELLED due to the thunderstorms and showers that entered the area early Saturday morning. A make-up date is still pending.

March 22, 2007

JEN MILLER - NAIA PITCHER OF THE WEEK
press release: courtesy NAIA Media Relations

Bellevue (Neb.) hurler Jen Miller is the NAIA Softball Pitcher of the Week after helping the Bruins to five wins and holding opponents scoreless over 26.1 innings pitched and three complete games.

Miller helped the Bruins win the Pitt State University Invitational by making appearances in four of five games with two starts. Miller scattered six hits while allowing no earned runs in a 4-2 victory over Northwestern Oklahoma Friday. In the two other games on Friday, Miller combined to pitch 5.1 innings in relief only allowing a pair of hits, no earned runs and four strikeouts. In Saturday's complete game victory over Central Missouri State, Miller went seven innings with a strikeout allowing 10 hits in Bellevue's comeback victory. On Wednesday night, Miller had a no-hitter until the seventh inning in a 4-1 victory over Morningside.

For the week, Jen pitched in five games helping the Bruins go 5-0 in games she appeared in. Miller pitched 26.1 innings, giving up 20 hits and four earned runs. She had 12 strikeouts for the week, surrendered only three extra base hits and walked a single batter in 100 AB, with a 1.06 ERA. For the season, Miller has started seven games with three relief appearances and has pitched 53 2/3 innings. Miller has a record of 7-2 overall with 45 strikeouts, a batting average against of .236 and an ERA of 1.83.

March 17, 2007

BOWDEN SINGLES BRUINS TO CHAMPIONSHIP

PITTSBURG, KS - - As a team, you want to start the season like you ended it, and since Bellevue' season ending victory against Dana College, the Bruins have opened their season with a 12-3 record winning their seventh straight game capped off with a Pitt State Invitational Championship on Saturday.

Bellevue ended their run at the PSU Invitational with a Championship Title and the only undefeated team during the weekend. Jacque Bowden helped the Bruins win their second game on Saturday on their last at bat sending a single to right field that scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning to break a 4-4 tie giving the Bruins a win over NCAA DII Central Missouri State University, 6-4.

The Bruins had to rally in the fourth inning after spotting Central Missouri runs in the second and third innings falling behind, 0-2. In the top of the fourth, Liz Davis singled to the right single with one out. Bowden had her first of two hits on the day to shortstop advancing Davis to second. With two outs, Sara Chancellor walked to load the bases as Kayla Edick singled to center to score Davis and pinch-runner Sarah Ingraham to tie the game at 2's.

Lori Huelskamp led off the top of the fifth with a walk and moved to second on a Nikki Kalasky sac bunt. Davis (2-for-3), singled to right field scoring Huelskamp and moving Erica Zerkle to third after walking in the previous at-bat. Zerkle put the Bruins up 4-2 when she scored on a Central Missouri wild pitch.

Central Missouri battled back in the bottom half of the inning on an Adams, two-run homerun to left field tying the game up for a second time at 4-4.

Bellevue headed to the top of the seventh with 4-4 tie. Huelskamp led-off the inning, for a second time, with a walk and took second base on a Whitney Kinman walk putting runners on first and second. After a Davis strikeout and two outs, Bowden singled to right field to score Huelskamp and Kinman to take a 6-4 lead. Alyssa Towey singled to put two runners on base again, but Sara Chancellor popped out on a 3-and-1 count to end the rally.

Jen Miller shut-down Central Missouri by getting the final three batters to foul out to third, fly out to leftfield and ended the game on a Hollenbach strikeout to grab the Championship.

Davis and Bowden led the Bruins with two hits each as Huelskamp scored twice without recording an official at-bat. Bowden and Kayla Edick each had 2 RBIs as three other Bruin batters had hits. Jen Miller improved to 7-2 on the season going the distance with a strikeout, giving up 10 hits and four runs, three earned.

Central Missouri had multi-hit games from four players, Palmer, Young, Bauer and White. Adams had 2 RBIs on her only hit, which was a homerun, while Holland earned the loss surrendering two earned runs on two hits in the final two innings of relief.

Bellevue will have a week to recoup as they will host Northwestern College next Saturday, March 24. The double-header is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start and will be played at Bellevue's home field at Haworth Park.

BOX SCORE

March 17, 2007

BOWDEN SINGLES, NIEDERMYER HOLDS FOR VICTORY

PITTSBURG, KS - - Jacque Bowden recorded the game-winning RBI in the top of the seventh inning to score Kayla Edick from second as Bridget Niedermyer escaped a Southwest Baptist rally in the bottom of the seventh to grab a 7-6 victory heading into the Championship game this afternoon.

The Bruins won their sixth straight game improving to 11-3 on the season with a victory on Saturday morning over Southwest Baptist University. Bellevue found themselves down 0-3 after the first two innings, but put up four runs in the top of the third to take a 4-3 lead.

Southwest Baptist scored a run in the bottom of the third to tie the game at 4-4. Southwest reclaimed the lead an inning later with a run going up, 5-4, but the Bruins answered with two runs in the top of the fifth taking back the lead at 6-5.

After a scoreless sixth inning, Bellevue added an insurance run, which they needed, in the top of the seventh that was started by Kayla Edick's double with two outs. Bowden singled to left field to score Edick taking a two-run advantage, 7-5. With runners on second and third, Chancellor ended the chance of additional runs with an inning-ending strikeout.

Southwest Baptist got a lead-off batter on base after a Niedermyer walk in the bottom half of the seventh. Nguyen pinch ran for Shaw then stole the next two bases. At third with one out, Klingenberg grounded out to second pushing across Nguyen. With two outs, and the Bruins clinging to a 1-run lead, Niedermyer got Coates to line out to second base to end the game.

Sarah Walck, a junior transfer from IWCC, had a stellar game at the plate. Walck was 4-for-4 with a three-run homerun in the third inning and a lead-off solo shot in the top of the fifth for a total of 4 RBIs in the game. Kayla Edick had a pair of hits, with a double, as Jacque Bowden had a pair of base hits and an RBI that was the game-winner. Chelsey White got the start and worked 2 1/3 innings before Bridget Niedermyer pitched the final 4 2/3 innings in relief to earn her second victory of the season.

Southwest Baptist got a team-high three hits from McKenzie Mortimer as Amanda Orchard, Alisa Kingenberg and Season James all had multi-hit games. Mortimer and Klingenberg combined for 5 RBIs in the loss. Mortimer also pitched 4 1/3 innings of relief getting the loss surrendering three runs on six hits.

Bellevue will head to the Pitt State Invitational Championship game against Central Missouri State University scheduled for 2:45 p.m. this Saturday afternoon. The Bruins have won six straight contests and have advanced further than any other appearance at this same Invitational.

BOX SCORE

March 16, 2007

ZERKLE HOMERS FOR FIFTH STRAIGHT WIN

PITTSBURG, KS - - Erica Zerkle hit her first career homerun in a Bruin uniform scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to get a 4-3 victory over NCAA DII Central Missouri State University on Friday evening. Bellevue finished the first day of the Pitt State University Invitational undefeated at 3-0 and will advance to the semi-finals bracket game on Saturday morning.

Bellevue broke a scoreless game in the second inning when Nikki Kalasky (2-for-3) led-off the inning with a single to right field on a 3-and-2 count. Liz Davis hit her second career homerun at Bellevue on a 3-and-1 hitter count to left field putting the Bruins on top 2-0.

Two innings later Central Missouri took a 3-2 lead in the game when Adams homered to lead-off the inning and Sandberg doubled to score Hollenbach. White had a single to sc ore Sandberg from second putting Central Missouri in the lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, Kalasky singled which was followed by a Zerkle homer to give Bellevue the go-ahead runs. The top of the seventh, Jen Miller held her ground for her sixth victory of the season getting Adams to fly out with two outs and runners on first and third.

Whitcomb led Central Missouri with a pair of singles while four players had hits. Martin goes to 1-1 in the loss allowing four runs on five hits as Young pitched the final 1/3 of an inning giving up a walk.

Zerkle and Davis both had homeruns in their only hits of the game combining for 4 RBIs, as Kalasky led the team with a pair of hits. Miller goes to 6-2 with 3 1/3 innings of relief getting four strikeouts as Bridget Niedermyer gave up three runs on four hits in 3 2/3 innings for the start.

The Bruins will now play Southwest Baptist University in the semi-final game on Saturday morning. The first pitch is scheduled at 10:45 a.m. with the winner advancing to the Championship game. The victory marks Bellevue's fifth straight victory this week and their 10th for the season.

BOX SCORE

March 16, 2007

TOWEY'S SINGLE LEADS TO BRUINS EXTRA-INNING VICTORY

PITTSBURG, KS - - Bellevue University improved to 9-3 overall winning their fourth straight victory when Alyssa Towey singled to right field advancing Liz Davis to third and on to home to score the winning run on an error by the right-fielder. Bellevue notched the 5-4 victory on Friday afternoon over Missouri Southern State University (NCAA DII) in the Bruins' second game of the day.

The Bruins spotted two Missouri Southern runs in the top of the first highlighted by a 2-run homer by Turner falling behind 0-2 early. After three scoreless innings, Missouri Southern extended the lead to 4-0 by the top of the sixth inning.

In the sixth inning, the Bruin rally began with a one-out single by Whitney Kinman. Davis added another single to put runners on first and second. Jacque Bowden singled to right as all runners advanced a base on a throwing error putting Bellevue on the board, down 1-4.

With two outs, Kayla Edick reached on a fielding error on the right-fielder allowing Davis and pinch runner Sara Chancellor a chance to score bringing the game to 3-4. Jennifer Strohman recorded the fourth hit of the inning getting a double to left field moving around Edick to tie the game.

In the Missouri Southern half of the eighth inning, Childs was placed on second base due to the international tie-breaker rule. Childs never reached third base as Jen Miller, of Bellevue, got the next three MSSU batter's to foul-out on consecutive bunt attempts and to end the inning on a foul-pop to third base.

In the bottom of the eighth, Bellevue placed one of their quickest runners on second in Liz Davis. After a failed bunt attempt by Chancellor, Towey (Omaha, NE), singled to right field, causing the right-fielder's third error in the game, to allow Davis to come all the way home to win the game.

Missouri Southern, 5-11, had one player record two hits in the game, Turner who had the team's homerun as she finished the day with 3 RBIs. Brittan, Bowen, Bax, Austin and Godfrey each had hits. Craig earned the loss dropping to 3-6 on the season allowing one unearned run in 1 1/3 innings pitched in relief.

Alyssa Towey had two hits in the game, as Jennifer Strohman and Jacque Bowden also recorded two hits each. The Bruins had nine hits in-all with two runs coming from Davis. Jen Miller goes to 5-2 overall in 2 innings of relief. Chelsey White had the no-decision start allowing three earned runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings of work.

Bellevue will now finish the day with an evening game against NCAA Central Missouri State University. Bellevue has two wins under their belt and is playing for the Championship bracket starting on Saturday mid-morning.

BOX SCORE

March 16, 2007

EXTRA-BASE HITS ARE KEY IN VICTORY

PITTSBURG, KS - - One down and four more to go are the hopes of Ed Lehotak and the Bellevue University softball team as they defeated Northwestern Oklahoma State University in the first game on Friday morning of the Pitt State University Invitational, 4-2. Ed had a feeling that his team would do well this weekend after taking two victories from previously undefeated Morningside College, and the team is off in the right direction.

Bellevue scored first, 1-0, after Liz Davis hit a triple to right-center giving Nikki Kalasky a chance to score as she doubled to left field earlier in the inning. In the top of the third inning, Bellevue put on base three consecutive batters after a fly out and foul-pop started the inning.

Kayla Edick reached base followed by a Sarah Walck single led to the bases being loaded on a Lori Huelskamp walk. With the bases juiced, Nikki Kalasky recorded her second double of the game, Bellevue's third extra-base hit, scoring both runners on third and second advancing Huelskamp to third. The inning stalled after a groundout ended the inning.

Bellevue increased the lead to 3-0 in the fifth inning when Walck doubled to right center and scored on a Kalasky single with two outs.

With a 4-0 lead, the Bruins allowed NW Oklahoma State to rally in the bottom of the seventh inning leading off the with a Galindo single. With one out, Vasquez walked followed by a McSherry single. Vasquez scored when Davis reached on a fielding error that was followed by a base hit by Torres scoring McSherry. Gilmore grounded out to shortstop ending any chance of a come-from-behind victory.

Kalasky had a big day at the plate going 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs and a pair of doubles. Walck was 2-for-4 with 2 runs as Davis, Bowden and Edick contributed hits in the victory. Bellevue had 8 hits in the game, five of which were extra base hits; four doubles and a triple. Jen Miller won her second consecutive start with a complete game allowing two runs, both unearned, on six hits.

N'Western Oklahoma State had two hits from Davis while four other batters added to the team hit total of six for the game. Taylor picked up the loss with 3 2/3 innings of work allowing three earned runs on five hits. Hollard had 3 1/3 innings of work out of the bullpen allowing a run on three hits.

Bellevue will take their three-game winning streak and face NCAA DII Missouri Southern State University on Friday afternoon in their second game of the Gorilla Invitational in Pittsburg, Kansas.

BOX SCORE

March 14, 2007

BELLEVUE HANDS MORNINGSIDE FIRST LOSSES

BELLEVUE, NE - - The Bellevue University women's softball team won their double-header against Morningside College on Wednesday evening, 7-0 and 4-1, handing the visiting Mustangs their first losses of the season. Powered behind a pair of strong pitching performances by junior's Chelsey White and Jen Miller, the Bruins swept up pounding out 14 hits in game one, and eight more in the night-cap.

Bellevue broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third inning in the first game when senior Sara Chancellor (2 of 4) bunted her way on to lead off the inning. Sara advanced to second on a Jen Strohman sacrifice bunt, advancing to third as Morningside's third baseman came off the base to field the play. Lori Huelskamp, a transfer from NW Missouri State University, singled to left giving Chancellor the chance to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead.

Nikki Kalasky, a senior, added a third single in the inning advancing Huelskamp to second then both scored when Iowa Western transfer, Erica Zerkle, tripled to right-field giving the Bruins the lead for good.

In the bottom of the fourth, Jacque Bowden (2 of 3, 1 run) singled up the middle then moved up to second on a hit to third by Alyssa Towey. Sarah Ingraham, pinch running for Bowden at first base, scored when Strohman hit a double to right center-field giving Bellevue a 4-0 lead.

The Bruins, 6-3, added three more insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth as Bowden led-off the inning with a single. Towey (2 of 3) and Chancellor had back-to-back singles to load the bases which was followed by a third straight hit by Strohman, a transfer from Iowa Western, scoring two runs. Huelskamp added her second RBI of the game on a fielder's choice scoring Chancellor for her second time.

Chelsey White (2-1), a junior from Oshkosh, Nebraska, picked up her second victory of the season throwing the complete game shutout. White gave up only a pair of hits, one in the second with the other coming in the third, holding the Mustang hitless over the remaining five innings.

Morningside, 10-1, had hits by Megan Tuttle, a junior from Sioux City, Iowa and Kendra Klein, a junior from Remsen, Iowa. Whitney McElrath, the Mustang ace, picked up her first loss of the season allowing seven runs, all earned on 14 hits. McElrath did record five Bruins strikeouts but gave up lead-off hits in four innings.

In the night-cap Bellevue's Jen Miller held the visiting Mustangs in check going to the sixth inning with a no-hitter until Alisha Kreig, Morningside's third baseman, doubled to the left-center gap to break-up the no-no. Miller had faced the minimum batters up to that point after allowing an error in the first inning to leadoff batter, Vanessa Houston, who was thrown out at third trying to stretch a sacrifice bunt.

In Bellevue's half of the third inning, the Bruins exploded by scoring three runs on five hits, sending all nine batters to the plate. Huelskamp (2 of 3, 1-run) led-off with a tailing double down the left-field line advancing to third as Zerkle (2 of 3, 2R) singled to first base. Kayla Edick (1 of 2) knocked in Huelskamp and moved Erica to third on a double to left-field.

The inning continued as Bowden hit a lazy fly up the middle to score Zerkle from third and moved Edick to third taking a 2-0 lead. Bellevue added one more run in the inning when Chancellor (1 of 2) went to left-center with her base hit to score Edick for the third run of the inning.

In the fourth inning, Bellevue added a single run as Zerkle led-off with a single then was advanced on an Edick sacrifice bunt, crossing the plate later on Bowden's third double of the season.

Miller, having a commanding 4-0 lead, pitched to the sixth inning with one out, then gave up a double to left-center losing a bid for her first no-hitter of the season. Krieg's (Kingsley, Iowa) double was on a 0-0 count the was driven deep to the gap. Whitney McElrath, who suffered the loss in the first game, went back-to-back with another double to left-center advancing Krieg to third base with one out.

Jenna Jurrens, the Mustang's fourth batter, then hit a ground ball to third base and as was thrown out at first; however, being heads-up, Kreig scored from third on Kalasky's throw to break-up the Bellevue shutout.

Miller, 3-2 on the season, allowed only two hits, both in the final inning, and a single run with seven strikeouts. The seven strikeouts will bring Miller's total to 40 on the season in six appearances.

Morningside, 10-2, got hits from McElrath and Krieg, with the only run being scored by Krieg in that final inning of the game. Left-hander, Kelly Baumert, was handed the loss allowing four runs on eight hits getting five strikeouts. Baumert, a freshman from Omaha, Nebraska, pitched the complete game surrendering only a single walk.

Bellevue would like to extend their two-game winning streak this weekend as they travel to Pittsburg, Kansas to participate in the Pitt State Invitational. The Bruins' first game will be against Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Friday morning at 10 a.m. followed by NCAA DII opponent Missouri Southern State University at 3:15 p.m. Bellevue will wrap up their pool play on Friday evening against another NCAA DII team, Central Missouri State University. Pool play will determine the schedule for Saturday's conclusion of the Invitational.

BOX SCORE (Game 1)

BOX SCORE (Game 2)

March 5-8, 2007

BRUINS IN MYRTLE BEACH

The Softball team, 3-0, will be playing six games in four days while down at the Snowbird Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The team will open agianst NCAA DII Tusculum College at 8 a.m. (CST) with a game following against Concordia University-Ann Arbor at approximately 10 a.m. (CST).

On Tuesday Bellevue will face Catawba College (NCAA DII) and finish out the tournament with a double-header on Thursday.

Snowbird Tournament Schedule
(all games are CST)

Mar. 5 - Tusculum College (L; 1-3)
Mar. 5 - Concordia University-MI (W; 10-4)
Mar. 6 - Catawba College (L; 2-7)
Mar. 8 - Cedar Crest College (W; 5-1)
Mar. 8 - Grace College (L; 6-8)

February 24, 2007

EARLY BIRD TOURNAMENT CANCELLED

Bellevue will finish their first tournament of the season at 3-0 as the Evangel University Early Bird Tournament was cancelled on Saturday mid-morning. Due to the rain and impending weather, the remaining bracket play has been CANCELLED. The Bruins will have a week now to get prepared for their tournament over spring break in Myrtle Beach, Florida.

February 23, 2007

BRUINS OPEN SEASON AT 3-0

Bellevue University opened the season with a 4-1 victory over host, Evangel University, on Friday morning at the Early Bird Tournament in Springfield, Missouri. JJ Miller picked up the victory scattering a pair of hits with 15 strikeouts in the victory. In the second game, IWCC transfer, Lori Huelscamp had a bases-loaded, base-clearing double to break a 5th inning 2-2 tie taking a 5-2 advantage. Nikki Kalasky then knocked in Huelscamp on a double of her own for a final score of 6-4. Amazing enough, the Bruins used three pitchers in the game, allowed only a pair of hits, but surrendered 14 base on balls, and still managed to pull out the victory.

In the final game of the day, Bellevue defeated Dana College, 3-1, as JJ Miller picked up her second victory of the day. She pitched a complete game surrendering only 4 hits with a run, unearned. Senior, Jacque Bowden, recorded what led to be the game-winning 2-run single to right in the 5th inning to give the Bruins a perfect 3-0 record on their opening day. On Saturday, Bellevue will not play until 1 p.m. as the bracket play will begin at the Evangel University Early Bird Tournament.

BOX SCORE (Evangel)

BOX SCORE (Mo. Valley)

BOX SCORE (Dana)

February 7, 2007

SOFTBALL PICKED SECOND IN MCAC PRESEASON
press release courtesy: Jerod Dahlgren - MCAC SID

PARKVILLE, MO. - The Peru State College softball team has been picked as the favorite to win the 2007 MCAC Softball Championship according to the MCAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll released Wednesday (Feb. 7).

Peru State posted a 33-22 overall record and a 13-3 mark in conference play last season en route to winning the MCAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships. The Bobcats advanced to the Region IV Tourna-ment in 2006, before falling in the semifi nals.Bellevue University grabbed the No. 2 position in the preseason poll after a 22-28 season (7-9 MCAC) in 2006, while York College was picked third (31-23 overall, 12-4 MCAC in 2006).

Rounding out the poll are College of Saint Mary (4th), Park University (5th), Oklahoma Wesleyan University (6th), Haskell Indian Nations University (7th) and Central Christian College (8th).

2007 MCAC Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll

1.  Peru State College *#
2.  Bellevue University 
3.  York College
4.  College of Saint Mary
5.  Park University
6.  Oklahoma Wesleyan
7.  Haskell Indian Nations University
8.  Central Christian College

*2006 MCAC Regular Season Champions
#2006 MCAC Tournament Champions

SEASON PREVIEW

The Bellevue University Softball team will start their spring season playing in their first tournament of the season at the Evangel University Early Bird Tournament in Springfield, Missouri. Bellevue plans on improving on their 22-28 overall record last year, 7-9 against the conference. The Bruins will be playing in three additional tournaments this season; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina during Spring Break in March, the Pittsburg State University Tournament (March 16-17) in Pittsburg, Kansas and will be hosting Bellevue's first spring tournament on March 30th and 31st at Haworth Park.

Bellevue softball will see their biggest recruiting class since their induction in 1997 with 11 new faces that will add to 8 returning players from last year's squad. Returning are four-year seniors; Liz Davis (.264 BA, 13 R, 34 H, 6 2B, 4-5 SB), Alyssa Towey (.263 BA, 32 R, 42 H, 21 BB, 6-8 SB), and Sara Chancellor (.304 BA, 22 R, 49 H, 10 2B, 26 RBI, .404 SLG, 6-7 SB). Other seniors returning, Kayla Edick (.308 BA, 20 R, 41 H, 15 RBI), Jacque Bowden (.303 BA, 14 R, 40 H, 10 2B, 4 HR, 26 RBI, .969 FLD), Nichole Kalasky (.287 BA, 14 R, 33 H) and Missouri Western transfer, Lori Huelskamp.

Other Bruin players returning this season will be junior pitcher, Chelsey White (2.08 ERA, 12-10, 151.1 IP), Jennifer Miller who has a two-year ERA of 1.94 and is third all-time at Bellevue with 247 strikeouts along with sophomore Whitney Kinman.

New faces that will contribute significantly this season will be junior transfers from IWCC, Erica Zerkle, Jennifer Strohman, Sarah Walck and new to the Bruin tradition are freshman; Kara Erwin, Nikki Sedlak, Kim Haugen, Sarah Ingraham, Bridget Niedermyer, Rachel Allen and Jenny Gawart.

Bellevue University is committed to challenge for the MCAC Regular season and the MCAC Tournament title in hopes to advance to the Region IV Tournament. With the realignment of Region IV and Newman leaving the MCAC, Bellevue will face the likes of conference rival College of Saint Mary, Park University, Peru State College and York College multiple times throughout the regular- and post-season to earning that automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament in Alabama, May 16-23.

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