BELOIT, Wis. (4/13/2025) – The Beloit College softball team ignited its offense on Sunday, defeating the Knox College Prairie Fire twice to push their win streak to three. The Bucs secured a decisive 14-6 victory scoring 14 runs on 13 hits in game one and took game two by a final of 4-1.
Game 1:
The Buccanneers (5-25, 3-5) overcame an early deficit with massive scoring outbursts in the third and fourth innings. After Knox (0-27, 0-8) took a 4-0 lead in the top of the third, Beloit responded emphatically in the bottom half of the frame.
The eight-run third inning turned the tide completely. Key hits included a two-run double by Kaylee Witte (Poplar Grove, IL), an RBI double from Rachel Overocker (Tinley Park, IL), a two-run double by Jocelyn Jordan (Beloit, Wis.), an RBI triple from Allie Gustafson (Beloit, Wis.), and an RBI single by Hannah Beran (Calendonia, Ill.). An error also allowed a run to score earlier in the inning. When the dust settled, Beloit held an 8-4 advantage.
Beloit didn't let up, plating five more runs in the bottom of the fourth. Highlights included another RBI double from Witte, an RBI groundout by Jordan, an RBI fielder's choice by Gustafson, another RBI single from Beran, and an RBI walk drawn by Avary Briggs (Albany, Wis.).
Leading the offensive onslaught for Beloit was Jordan, who went 2-for-3 with a double, a towering home run in the fifth inning, two runs scored, and four RBIs. The long ball marked the first of her collegiate career. Witte also had a huge day, going 2-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored, and three RBIs. Beran was perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a run scored and two RBIs.
Gustafson contributed significantly with a triple, two runs scored, and two RBIs, while Briggs added a triple, two runs scored, and two RBIs. Overocker chipped in with a 2-for-4 performance, including a double, a run, and an RBI.
On the mound, Briggs picked up the win in relief, tossing two effective innings without allowing a run or a hit. Witte started the game, pitching the first two innings, and Samantha Friedrichsohn (Waukesha, WI) pitched the final inning.
Knox scored four runs in the third, highlighted by a two-RBI triple from Maddie Poetzinge, and added two more in the fifth on an RBI single by Morgan Bean, aided by an error. Charlie Davison took the loss for Knox.
Game 2:
Briggs went the distance for the Buccaneers, tossing a complete 7.0 innings. She scattered six hits and allowed just one earned run while striking out three Knox batters and walking six. Her efficient outing kept the Prairie Fire offense largely in check.
Beloit wasted no time getting on the board. In the bottom of the first, shortstop Angela Donath (Wausau, Wis.) reached on an error and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Kaitlyn Nicholson (Roscoe, Ill) then delivered an RBI single up the middle, plating Donath for an early 1-0 lead (unearned).
Knox managed to tie the game at 1-1 in the top of the third inning on an RBI single by Brenlie Bartlett.
However, the Buccaneers responded decisively in the bottom half of the frame. Briggs helped her own cause, leading off with a single to left field and advancing on a passed ball. First baseman Overocker followed with an RBI single to center, scoring Briggs and putting Beloit back on top 2-1. Jordan kept the rally going with a single, and third baseman Gustafson provided the big blow, lacing a triple to right field that scored both Overocker and Jordan, extending the lead to 4-1.
Those three runs in the third proved to be all the support Briggs needed. She navigated through the remaining innings, working around traffic in the sixth and seventh but preventing Knox from mounting a comeback.
Offensively, Beloit collected seven hits. Jordan led the way with a 2-for-3 performance and a run scored. Gustafson's triple provided the key 2 RBIs, while Overocker (1-for-3, RBI, R) and Nicholson (1-for-3, RBI) also drove in runs. Briggs added a hit and a run scored. Beloit also showed speed on the basepaths, with Donath and Nicholson each recording a stolen base.
Knox pitcher Janet Lentini took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits over 6.0 innings. Bartlett drove in the lone run for the Prairie Fire.
The Buccaneers step out of conference for the final time this season on Thursday when they head to Dubuque, Iowa for a doubleheader agaisnt the University of Dubuque Spartans. First pitch is set for 3 pm.
