WINTER HAVEN, FL – The Beloit College Softball team continued their week in Florida with an early morning clash against the University of Mount Union followed by a match up against Hood College. The Bucs (0-8, 0-0 MWC) fell in both games, 1-14 to Mount Union (5-2, 0-0 OAC) and 12-13 to Hood (6-6, 0-0 MAC.
Game 1:
Mount Union showcased a potent batting lineup, racking up 18 hits and capitalizing on Beloit's defensive miscues. Mount Union was led by Mercer, Reicosky and George who each scored two runs.
Beloit managed just four hits in the contest. The team's lone run came in the 4th inning, when Kaylee Witte (Poplar Grove, IL) drove in Kaitlyn Nicholson (Roscoe, Ill).
The Buccaneers continue to work to find themselves as a staff. Avary Briggs (Albany, Wis.), the starting pitcher, was tagged with the loss after surrendering 10 runs on 14 hits over four innings. Kaylee Witte (Poplar Grove, IL) relieved Briggs, pitching 2 innings and surrendering 4 runs. Bird picked up the win for Mount Union after going 5 innings and allowing no runs.
Game 2:
The Buccaneers showcased their offensive potential, racking up 12 runs on 12 hits. Leading the charge was the Freshman, Nicholson, who blasted two triples and drove in two runs. Allie Gustafson (Beloit, Wis.) also contributed significantly with two RBIs. Jocelyn Jordan (Beloit, Wis.) displayed power at the plate with a double that drove in two more runs.
Despite the offensive output, Beloit struggled to contain Hood's potent attack. Pitching proved to be a hurdle, with Samantha Friedrichsohn (Waukesha, WI) taking the start and giving up 7 runs in 2.2 innings. Helena Harrison (Chapel Hill, N.C.) followed, allowing 5 runs in an equal span. Briggs finished the game.
Offensively, Beloit showed aggressiveness on the base paths, stealing six bases, including two by Angela Donath (Wausau, Wis.). This energy and hustle is a key element of the Buccaneers' approach. However, defensive miscues proved costly, with two errors contributing to Hood's run total.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Beloit initially jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. However, Hood responded with a strong offensive performance, scoring multiple runs in several innings to eventually secure the win.
The Buccaneers take the field again tomorrow when they face off against Lakeland (11:15 am CT) and Wittenberg (1:45 pm CT) in Bartow, Florida.
