SIOUX CENTER, Iowa (Feb. 3, 2024) - The Buena Vista softball team began its 2024 campaign on Saturday afternoon at the American State Bank Complex Classic, but the Beavers would be handed a pair of tough losses, dropping an 11-1 game to NAIA #10 Midland University before a 10-2 setback against Dordt University.

In the opener, the Warriors jumped on the Beavers early on with two runs in the first inning followed by three more in the second for a 5-0 lead. Neither team scored over the middle three innings before Midland tacked on one more run in the sixth followed by six more in the top of the seventh to break things open.

The Beavers were held to only two hits in the game, getting singles from sophomore Keirsten Trayte and Katie Hanson. Freshman Jillian Garcia, who walked twice in the game, drove home the team's only run with an RBI groundout with one out in the bottom of the seventh, scoring senior Nicole Griggs who was hit by a pitch to begin the frame.

Trayte made the start inside the circle and pitched 1.2 innings, allowing five runs on five hits while walking two and striking out a pair. Sophomore Rylie Garner came on in relief and worked 4.1 innings while being charged with four runs and six hits.

In the nightcap, the game was tied 2-2 after two innings before the Defenders went in front with a run in the bottom of the fifth inning before exploding for seven runs in the sixth.

Junior Paige Druskis stole home in the top of the first as part of a double steal attempt for the game's first score. The Defenders came right back in the bottom half with a pair of runs to claim a 2-1 lead before a failed pickoff attempt by Dordt in the second scored Geneva Galler from third to tie things up at 2-2.

An RBI double by Dordt in the fifth gave the Defenders the lead back for good as they added seven runs on only three hits. After a pair of bases loaded walks that made it 5-2, it was a three-run triple that broke things open.

Senior Nattie Murillo doubled and finished 2-for-3 to lead the Beavers at the dish while Garcia walked and added her first career hit for the team's final base knock. Freshman Rebecka Finlayson made her first career start in the circle and suffered the loss. She lasted 5.2 innings and was charged with six runs on six hits and couldn't quite overcome five walks. 

Buena Vista (0-2) returns to the Dome on Feb. 10-11 for a pair of doubleheaders. The Beavers begin the weekend with two games against Dakota Wesleyan (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) on the 10th.