Written by Colton O'Hern
BVU Athletics Communication Student Intern

STORM LAKE, Iowa (Apr. 22, 2025) – The Buena Vista Beaver softball team was on the road during a nice sunny Iowa Tuesday afternoon and played the Coe College Kohawks in a doubleheader in American Rivers Conference play. The Beavers, however, suffered two more tough losses on the afternoon, as they lost by scores of 8-0 (6 inn.) and 12-5.

Senior Kayla Farmer got the sole hit in the first game for the Beavers in a losing effort. Junior Rylie Garner (1-5) pitched 2.0 innings before getting subbed out. During her pitching efforts, she allowed eight hits, seven runs, one walk, and did not record a strikeout. Coe College started fast with three first-inning runs and scored runs in each of the first three innings to build a 7-0 cushion. The Kohawks ended things in the sixth an RBI single to third.

Game two started out hot for the Beavers, as they started up 2-0 in the opening inning. Senior Madalyn Elwood tripled, allowing senior Paige Druskis to score. Off the quick momentum, Garner grounded out to second base, allowing Elwood to get a score for herself.

Coe, however, bounced back with three runs in the second to go in front 3-2 and the Beavers were eventually down 8-2 going to the fourth. Druskis got BVU back on the board as singled up the middle, allowing sophomore Jillian Garcia to get an unearned run. Going into the top of the fifth, the score was 10-3. Garcia grounded out to the pitcher, allowing Elwood to score. Garner was able to get a score for the Beavers on an unearned run, but the rally stalled there and BVU fell 12-5.

Sophomore Kali Irlmier (2-6) started and led the pitching efforts as she pitched 2.0 innings. During her time at the mound, she allowed four hits, six runs, two walks, and had one strikeout. Other notable performances were Elwood having a triple on two hits and two runs. Druskis had three hits, a run scored, and a stolen base. Garner and Garcia had one hit each and both also scored a run. Senior Danica Workman got a hit and a stolen base on the day.

Buena Vista is now at 7-23 (0-12 A-R-C) after the tough doubleheader loss. The Beavers will be back in action on Saturday, April 26th at 1 p.m. when they will take on the Norse from Luther College in an away conference doubleheader. The Norse will be coming in with a record of 18-14 (5-7 A-R-C).