STORM LAKE, Iowa (April 29, 2023) - The Buena Vista University softball team wrapped up its home schedule on Saturday afternoon by earning a doubleheader split over visiting Wartburg College. The Knights picked up an 11-3 (5 inn.) victory in the opener before the Beavers bounced back to close out the day with a commanding 7-1 triumph.

Wartburg jumped out to a 4-0 lead after just a half inning in game one before BVU came right back to score three times in the bottom half thanks to a 2-run double from Nattie Murillo followed by an RBI double from Amanda Franke. The Knights then hit a pair of solo home runs in the second to extend the margin to 6-3 before adding on a run in the third and four more in the fifth to secure the win.

Murillo, who also threw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the game in honor of her late mother, led the way at the plate for the Beavers going 2-for-3 with the double, two RBI and a run scored. Paige Druskis chalked up a triple for BVU as three of the team's four total hits went for extra-bases.

Kennedi Claycomb made the start inside the circle for Buena Vista but was tagged for five runs (three earned) and just three hits over 1.1 innings of work. Emma LaFave came on in relief and worked the final 3.3 innings, allowing six runs on six hits.

Reegan Deputy doubled twice and finished with three hits and three RBI to help lead Wartburg at the dish. Kaylie Springer also tallied three hits as the Knights ended with nine overall.

Maddy Elwood broke a scoreless game in the second inning of game two with an RBI single to center that scored Jamie Wendt and give the Beavers an early 1-0 lead. Nattie Murillo grounded out to shortstop in the third as Druskis came charging home after the throw was made to first base and dove in safely just ahead of the tag.

BVU then pulled away with a five-run fourth inning, including a big two-run double down the right field line from Druskis that made it 5-0. Wendt, along with Rylee Cain, also added RBI's in the inning while Danica Workman scored on a wild pitch as the Beavers took a commanding 7-0 advantage.

Wartburg tried to rally in the seventh, loading the bases with one out, but could push across only one on a sacrifice fly. Cyrah Rasmussen pitched her fourth complete-game this season for the Beavers en route to her second win of the year. She scattered six hits in the contest and worked around seven walks while striking out four. Druskis was 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and scored twice. Murillo walked twice in the game and added an RBI.

Buena Vista is 6-26 overall (2-12 A-R-C) and will wrap up the season on Friday, May 5, with a doubleheader at Coe College starting at 2 p.m.