WINTER HAVEN, FL – The Beloit College Buccaneers faced a challenging day of competition at the DiamondPlex today, matching up against Wittenberg University and DeSales University. While the Buccaneers moved to 1-5 on the season, the doubleheader was highlighted by flashes of offensive power and a resilient effort from the heart of the Beloit lineup.
Game One: Wittenberg 12, Beloit 1
In the morning opener, Beloit struggled to contain a potent Wittenberg offense. However, the Buccaneers refused to be shut out, mounting a late-inning rally to put a run on the board.
The Buccaneers' highlight came in the bottom of the fifth inning. After Qitarra Olson (Onalaska, WI) entered the game as a pinch runner and advanced to second on a Wittenberg error, Allie Gustafson (Beloit, Wis.) stepped to the plate and delivered a clutch RBI double to right center. The extra-base hit drove in Olson, providing a spark for the Beloit dugout.
Game Two: DeSales 11, Beloit 7
The second game of the day saw the Buccaneers explode for an early lead, showcasing the true potential of their offensive unit. Beloit jumped out to a commanding 5-0 lead through the first three innings before DeSales managed to claw back.
In the first inning, Beloit wasted no time as Brinley Richards (Piedmont, OK) singled to left center, driving in Kaylee Witte (Poplar Grove, IL) to give the Bucs an immediate 1-0 lead.
The next inning, the Bucs padded the lead with a three-run outburst. After Gustafson scored on a passed ball, Richards struck again with a massive two-run single up the middle, scoring Kaitlyn Nicholson (Roscoe, Ill) and Avary Briggs (Albany, Wis.).
The momentum continued in the third when Jaimie Weidner (Lakemoor, IL) poked an RBI single to third base, bringing home Q. Olson to extend the lead to 5-0.
After DeSales rallied and the Bucs were down by four in the sixth, Witte sent a sacrifice fly to right field to score Lizzie Paschal (Holbrook, AZ). In the seventh, Gustafson showed great plate discipline, drawing a bases-loaded walk to score G Calderon (Winthrop Harbor, IL) for the final run of the game.
The Buccaneers face Ohio Wesleyan University (9 AM ET/ 8 AM CT) and Penn State Behrend (11:15 AM ET / 10:15 AM CT) tomorrow in Bartow, Florida.
