BARTOW, Fla. - The Beloit College softball team wrapped up their week in Florida this morning with games against New England College and North Park. The Buccaneers (0-12, 0-0 MWC) struggled this trip, suffering multiple close games.
Game 1:
Game one saw a pitchers dual through the first four innings. New England College (3-6, 0-0 GNAC) took the lead in the 5th inning, exploding for three runs fueled by a two-RBI triple from Gagne and a RBI single from Grimes. They added three more in the 6th, punctuated by RBI walks and another RBI ground out by Gagne.
The Buccaneers struggled to find offensive momentum for much of the game against New England College's Olson, who pitched a complete game and allowed just one run on five hits. Beloit College's Siddalee Meyers (Orfordville, Wis.) delivered the lone RBI for Beloit in the 7th with a single, scoring Briana Arteaga (Covina, Calif.).
On the mound, Samantha Friedrichsohn (Waukesha, WI) took the loss for Beloit, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing three earned runs. Kaylee Witte (Poplar Grove, IL) finished the game, allowing three runs of her own in 0.2 innings.
For the Bucs, Meyers was the offensive star, going 1-3 with an RBI. Arteaga had the other hit, going 1-2.
Game 2:
The Bucs struggled to contain North Park's offense in game two. However, the Buccaneers refused to back down. Despite facing a determined North Park team (6-3), Beloit demonstrated flashes of brilliance throughout the contest.
Several Bucs stood out, showcasing glimpses of the team's future potential. Kaitlyn Nicholson (Roscoe, Ill) recorded an RBI, contributing to Beloit's offense, while Paloma Reyes (Beloit, Wis.) also managed to drive in a run. Rachel Overocker (Tinley Park, IL) added a double, showing offensive power. Several Beloit players contributed with hits during the contest.
While the pitching staff faced challenges, Avary Briggs (Albany, Wis.), despite taking the loss, battled for 3.1 innings. Later in the game, Helena Harrison (Chapel Hill, N.C.), and Friedrichsohn took the mound.
The Buccaneers showed growth over their ten games in five days and will look to continue to build back in Beloit. The kick off their home games next week, game times are subject to change due to weather.