CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (May 10, 2024) - Junior Evan Taylor blasted a 2-run home run in the top of the eighth inning that pulled Buena Vista within a run, but the comeback bid fell just short, as the Beavers fell to top-seed Coe College 4-3 on Friday afternoon inside of Veterans Memorial Stadium on the second day of the American Rivers Conference Tournament.

In what was the match-up of the two remaining unbeaten teams, the Kohawks jumped out to the early lead with a solo home run in the second inning. That lead was extended to 3-0 in the fourth after an RBI groundout and a double and stayed that way until Tyce Johnson hit a solo homerun for the Kohawks in the seventh which proved to be a key insurance run.

BVU, which had multiple runners on base with less than two outs in three of the first six innings, did not break through until plating all three of their runs in the eighth. The Kohawks played a hand in that by turning three double plays.

Evan Taylor and Brandon Jenkins each finished with two hits to help pace the Beavers at the plate as the first seven batters in the line-up went 7-for-18 with two runs scored.

Ean McDaniel got the start on the mound and battled through four innings where he was charged with three runs, seven hits and struck out one but dipped to 7-3 on the year with a loss. Johnny Vallinch and Drew Camman came on in relief and combined for three innings of work while allowing just one run and one hit and striking out four.

Buena Vista is now 28-13 overall and will play No. 5 Loras College on Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m. in an elimination game. The Duhawks knocked off No. 3 Luther College, 12-2, in the final game of the day on Friday.

The BVU vs. Loras winner advances into the championship series to face Coe College and will need to defeat the Kohawks twice to win the title.