DECORAH, Iowa (April 7, 2023) - The Buena Vista softball team opened up American Rivers Conference play on Friday afternoon with a road doubleheader at Luther College. BVU got no hit in the first matchup, losing 7-0, before dropping the second contest, 8-2. 

GAME 1

Game one was much closer than box score indicates. The two starting pitchers were engaged in a tense pitching duel heading into the 6th inning. Luther's Kendra Cooper was chasing history via a no-hitter. With history on the line, Cooper struck out the bottom of Buena Vista's lineup in order to give the fifth-year senior six hitless innings and 15 strikeouts heading into the final frame. BVU's Cyrah Rasmussen entered the home half of the sixth dueling with Cooper, having allowed no runs and just three hits. The game quickly unraveled, however, as Luther used a barrage of hits, including a two-run shot to rally for seven runs. The offensive outburst gave Cooper a big cushion to try to secure her place in the record books. She induced a ground out and a pop up to start the inning. The only thing standing between Cooper and history was reigning player of the year, Nattie Murillo. The two engaged in a five pitch battle with Cooper emerging victorious getting Murillo to strike out swinging. 

The strikeout earned Cooper (11-2) her 11th win of the year. She finished with a final line of seven innings pitched, no hits allowed, and 16 strikeouts. 

Rasmussen (1-2) was charged with the loss after allowing six runs on nine hits over 5.1 innings of work.

GAME 2

Game two was all Luther as they took an advantage with another seven-run rally in the second inning. Buena Vista struck back for two runs in the fourth, but that would be as close as they would get to a comeback. Luther added a run in the sixth and shut BVU out the rest of the way, securing a 7-2 victory. 

Emma Lafave earned the loss after allowing four runs on three hits, two walks in less than two innings of work. 

BVU's lineup compiled two runs on six hits. Amanda Franke led the way with two hits and a run scored. Franke was scored by Murillo, who had the team's only RBI. 

NEXT UP: On Tuesday, April 11, BVU will head home to face Nebraska Wesleyan for the first set of home games of the year. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 3 p.m.