BELOIT, Wis. – On a busy Saturday afternoon at the diamond, Beloit College hosted the University of Dubuque for their home opener. While the visiting Spartans ultimately walked away with two victories, the Buccaneers (2-16, 0-0 MWC) showcased grit and timely hitting, particularly in a closely contested opening game.

Game 1: Dubuque 9, Beloit 2

In the first matchup of the day, Beloit went toe-to-toe with Dubuque for much of the afternoon before falling 9-2. The Buccaneers' defense and pitching kept the game a one-run affair through the first five innings.

After Dubuque took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st, Beloit answered immediately. Kaylee Witte (Poplar Grove, IL) drew a walk to start the inning and advanced to third on a bunt by G Calderon (Winthrop Harbor, IL). Witte then showed great heads-up baserunning, crossing home plate on a Dubuque throwing error to tie the game at 1-1.

Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth, Ava Wiegel (Argyle, WI) kickstarted the offense with a single to right field. Pinch runner Qitarra Olson (Onalaska, WI) moved to second on a bunt and eventually scored on a clutch RBI single up the middle by Abi Krepelka (Boulder Creek, CA), cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Shortstop Calderon led the Buccaneers' offensive effort, finishing the game 2-for-3 at the plate. Krepelka contributed both in the circle and at the plate with her RBI single, while Allie Gustafson (Beloit, Wis.), Rachel Overocker (Tinley Park, IL), and Jaimie Weidner (Lakemoor, IL) each recorded hits to keep the pressure on the Spartan defense.

Game 2: Dubuque 13, Beloit 0 (6 innings)

The second game proved more difficult for the Buccaneers as Dubuque's offense exploded for 13 runs. Despite the 13-0 final score in six innings, Beloit continued to fight, looking for gaps in the Spartans' defense.

Gustafson provided the biggest highlight of the game for the Bucs, Rip-ing a sharp double to center field in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Overocker also reached base safely with a single, continuing her consistent presence in the lineup.

On the basepaths, Kiley Hansen (Greenville, WI) showed off her speed by recording a stolen base after entering as a pinch runner.

The Buccaneers return to the field next Saturday against Carroll. Doubleheader action from Strong Complex Softball Field is set to start at noon.