KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Mar. 4, 2024) - It was a strong start to the spring break trip for the Buena Vista softball team, as the Beavers ended day one with victories over both Northland College and Alfred University and moved back to the .500 for the year.

BVU wasted no time getting on the board versus Northland, using a big eight-run second inning. The inning was highlighted by a two-run double from Keirsten Trayte followed by a two-run single from Amanda Franke that made it 8-0.

The Beavers tacked on two more runs in the third as Paige Druskis scored on a fielding error before Trayte drove home her third run of the contest with an RBI single.

That was more than enough for starting pitcher, Rebecka Finlayson, who pitched the first four innings as BVU went on to win, 10-0 in five innings. Finlayson scattered just four hits and struck out three to improve to 2-2 overall. Grace Fuhrman allowed one hit during her inning of work and also struck out one.

It was another quick start for the Beaver offense to end their day against the Saxons. Nikki Griggs got things going in the first with a 2-run single before Trayte's big day continued with a 2-run single of her own as BVU led 6-0 after one-half inning.

The Saxons cut into that lead in the third with a grand slam that made it 6-4. That's how things stood until the seventh when Nattie Murillo drove in a run with an RBI single to extend the margin to 7-4. Alfred threatened in the bottom half with two runners on and only one out. A fielder's choice led got the runner out at second, but a throwing error back to first on the play, allowed a run to score to make it 7-5. Kali Irlmeier, who came on and pitched the final five innings, got a ground out back to shortstop to end the game.

Griggs and Trayte each finished with two hits and two RBI while Franke chipped in with two base knocks. Overall, the Beavers finished the game with 11 hits (all singles). Druskis walked twice and scored twice for BVU while five other players scored one.

Irlmeier, who earned her first career win, allowed an unearned run and four hits during her five innings while striking out two and walking one. Kennedi Claycomb started in the circle but was lifted after two innings.

Buena Vista improves to 6-6 on the season and continues play on Tuesday with games against Geneva College (Pa.) at 9 a.m. and Bluffton University at 1:30 p.m. Both game times are eastern times.