GAME 1

GREAT BEND, Kan.- Softball kicked off the 2020 season under strange circumstances, as weather forced the Beavers opening weekend doubleheader to be moved to the campus of Barton Community College. Still, the change in venue and atmosphere didn't effect the Beavers in their opening matchup with Lamar Community College, winning the first game of the doubleheader 14-5.

Sophomores paved the way for the Beavers offensively, as Celeste Chavez finished her afternoon 4-5, three of which were extra-base hits. Her afternoon was highlighted by a second-inning solo home run, her first of the 2020 season. Erica Spencer also had four hits in five at-bats, two of which were doubles. The Beavers third baseman also drove in four runs, while pitching a complete game. 

Spencer pitched all six innings en route to earning the win, allowing five earned runs on seven hits while surrendering only a single walk. She also had six strikeouts in her 2020 debut. 

The first five batters in Pratt's lineup combined for 14 of the team's 19 hits and were responsible for 12 RBI's. The Beaver bats came alive early and often, scoring eight runs in the first three innings to jump out to a 8-0 lead. Lamar picked up three runs in the top of the 4th inning, though the Beavers offensive onslaught continued. Leading 8-4 entering the bottom of the 5th inning, the Beavers tacked on an insurance run to extend the lead to 9-4. The Lopes again snagged a run in the top of the sixth, but Pratt answered with five runs, highlighted by four consecutive doubles. 

GAME 2

The second game of the doubleheader wasn't as fruitful for the Beavers, losing 16-6. Alyssa Reyes grinded in her 2020 pitching debut, fighting through four innings while surrendering eight runs (seven earned) on 10 hits. She also had five walks to go with a pair of strikeouts. 

Celeste Chavez stayed hot at the plate in Game Two, going 4-4 with a triple and a double. She also had two runs batted in and a pair of stolen bases. Kylee Erickson also knocked in two runs in her only two official at-bats. Marissa Reina was yet another bright spot offensively, going 2-3 with a double.

The Beavers pitching staff struggled to keep the Lopes offense at bay, as Lamar scored in all six innings. 

Softball will next hit the road on Valentine's Day, when the Beavers begin a road trip through Texas starting at the Cowtown Classic in Fort Worth.