ELMHURST, Ill. – The Beloit College Buccaneers faced a tough test on the road this afternoon, dropping both halves of a doubleheader against Elmhurst University at Salt Creek Park. Despite the defensive pressure from the Bluejays (6-16, 1-3 CCIW), the Buccaneers (3-27, 1-5 MWC) showed flashes of offensive potential and disciplined plate appearances throughout the twin bill.
Game 1: Elmhurst 6, Beloit 0
The opener proved to be a defensive showcase, as Elmhurst pitcher Emma Lenczewski managed to hold the Buccaneers hitless. Despite the lack of hits, Beloit demonstrated excellent plate discipline, drawing five walks and putting runners on base in five of the seven innings.
Sophomore infielder Qitarra Olson (Onalaska, WI) was a primary catalyst for the Beloit offense. Olson drew two walks and showcased her speed on the basepaths by swiping a base in the fourth inning. She eventually advanced to third on a wild pitch, representing Beloit's best scoring opportunity of the game.
Along with Olson, Kaylee Witte (Poplar Grove, IL), Allie Gustafson (Beloit, Wis.), and Jessalyn Coppe (Niles, IL) all drew walks, forcing the Elmhurst defense to work through high-pitch counts.
Coming in as relief for starter Abi Krepelka (Boulder Creek, CA), Zoey Buchholtz (Lake Mills, WI) provided a strong spark from the circle. She threw 2.2 innings, allowing only one run and striking out four batters, effectively silencing the Elmhurst bats in the final stages of the game.
Game 2: Elmhurst 10, Beloit 0 (5 Innings)
In the nightcap, Beloit struggled to keep pace with a potent Elmhurst offense that jumped out to an early lead. However, the Buccaneers' bats found ways to connect, out-hitting their first-game performance with four total hits.
The Buccaneers looked to spark a rally early in the first inning when Gustafson singled through the right side with two outs. The Buccaneers continued to threaten in the third inning as
Paloma Reyes (Beloit, Wis.) laced a single up the middle. In the latter half of the game,
Lizzie Paschal (Holbrook, AZ) and Coppe both recorded singles to center field and the pitcher's circle, respectively, proving that the Beloit lineup could find holes in the Bluejays' defense.
On the mound, Witte provided relief for starter
Samantha Friedrichsohn (Waukesha, WI), tossing 1.2 innings and recording a strikeout while keeping the Buccaneers within striking distance during the middle frames. Q. Olson also contributed fundamentally with a successful sacrifice bunt in the third inning to move runners into scoring position.
The Buccaneers are back home on Saturday when they host Grinnell College. Game times are set for 1 and 3 pm.
