STORM LAKE, Iowa (Apr. 9, 2024) - The Buena Vista softball team took the field on its home diamond for the first time this season on Tuesday afternoon against Coe College, but the Kohawks spoiled the home opener by sweeping the Beavers 13-4 (5 inn.) and 14-5 (6 inn.).

BVU held the early momentum in game one after freshman Jillian Garcia laced a 3-run double into the left center field gap in the bottom of the second inning for a 3-0 lead.

The Kohawks bounced back in a big way in the third by pushing across 11 runs on eight hits to take control, including a pair of three run homers. BVU got one run back in the bottom of the frame with an RBI double from Keirsten Trayte while Coe added the final run in the fourth as the game ended in five innings.

Trayte and Nattie Murillo each doubled and finished with two hits apiece to help lead the way offensively for the Beavers. Senior Nikki Griggs walked twice and scored two of the four runs.

Kali Irlmeier suffered the loss for BVU after being charged with five runs and five hits over two innings of work. 

The bats didn't miss a beat for the Kohawks in game two, as they began in the first inning with an RBI double, RBI single and capped the inning with a 2-run home run.

Trayte added her second extra-base hit of the day in the bottom half for BVU, driving in a run with a double that landed just inside the right field line.

Coe had another monster third inning, scoring seven runs to extend its lead to 11-1. The big knock was a grand slam that broke open a 6-1 contest at the time.

The Beavers showed their power in the fifth inning to extend the game another inning. Murillo connected for her first home run of the season - a solo shot - before Maddy Elwood blasted a 2-run shot to make it 11-5. Coe added two insurance runs in the sixth for the game's final score.

Paige Druskis went 3-for-4 with a run scored for BVU while Murillo doubled and homered and drove in one. Both teams finished the game with 10 hits apiece and combined for nine extra-base hits.

Kenzie Dumbaugh got the start inside the circle for BVU and suffered the loss after allowing three unearned runs over 0.1 innings. 

Buena Vista is now 7-21 on the year (0-6 A-R-C) and travels to Loras College on Saturday, Apr. 13 for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.