Softball | 3/20/2021 10:56:00 PM

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 INDIANOLA, Iowa (March 20, 2021) - It was the American Rivers Conference openers for both Buena Vista and Simpson softball teams on Saturday afternoon, and the host Storm had the bats working all afternoon en route to 7-3 and 7-1 victories over the Beavers.

Senior Carlee Guyett gave BVU the early 1-0 lead in the opener with an RBI single in the first inning before Simpson came quickly back with six runs in the home half.  The Storm began the scoring with a 2-run home run to left center field and were aided by three bases loaded walks in the frame.  Simpson later added another run in the fifth to make it 7-1.  The Beavers added a pair of unearned runs in the sixth on a fielding error by the Storm.

Junior Ashtyn Miller went the distance inside the circle for BVU and suffered the loss.  She scattered nine hits but was hurt by a career-high seven walks despite striking out eight.  BVU was held to only three hits in the contest (all singles).  

The nightcap was a pitcher's duel until Simpson used a four-run fourth inning, capped with a two-out, three-run double to make it 4-0.  Simpson pushed across another run in the fifth before BVU was able to get on the board with an unearned run in the sixth.  Simpson finished with two more insurance runs in its half of the sixth for the 7-1 final.

Peyton Gross pitched all six innings for the Beavers, allowing seven earned runs while allowing 12 hits and striking out four.

Buena Vista dips to 8-6 overall (0-2 A-R-C) and will look to bounce back in the series finale on Sunday.  First pitch of the game is set for 1:00 p.m.