ORANGE, Calif. (March 8, 2023) - The Buena Vista University softball team was right back out on the diamond on Wednesday evening for a doubleheader at Chapman University, but it was the Panthers leaving with the sweep of the Beavers by scores of 8-2 and 7-2.
In the opener, Chapman used a big four-run first inning to take control early before adding on three insurance runs in the fourth and never looked back. BVU cut the deficit to 4-2 by plating a pair of unearned runs in the third, including an RBI single from Nattie Murillo before the Panthers responded with the three runs of their own to make it 7-2. They would go on and tack on one additional unearned run in the sixth.
Chapman finished with 14 base hits overall but had only one that went for extra-bases. BVU tallied five hits, including two from Murillo, but were hindered by 10 strikeouts.
Rylie Garner got the start inside the circle for the Beavers and pitched just 0.1 innings, allowing four runs on five hits.
Cyrah Rasmussen enter in relief and went the rest of the way, scattering nine hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out three.
In the nightcap, the Panthers (9-4) broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the second with three runs before adding on two more in the fourth to make it 6-1. They would add their final run in the fifth before the Beavers got a sacrifice fly from Maddie Elwood in the sixth for the game's final score.
Claire Woodworth doubled to left center for BVU in the fourth inning which resulted in the game's only extra-base hit. She was one of six different Beavers to tally one hit in the contest while
Rylee Cain and
Alyssa Cathcart each scored one run.
Keirsten Trayte got the start for the Beavers and surrendered four runs and five hits over 1.2 innings.
Kennedi Claycomb was charged with the final three runs while she and
Emma LaFave combined to pitched the final 4.2 innings.
Buena Vista falls to 3-11 overall. The team has adjusted its schedule again due to the threat of rain moving in on Friday, and will now play Thursday against only Pomona-Pitzer in a doubleheader starting at 3Â p.m. (CT). Both games are being played at Claremont, Calif.
