Jordan Henningsen | Staff Writer

The Buena Vista University (BVU) softball team went to Cedar Rapids this past weekend for a run in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) Tournament. BVU went into the tournament with a 13-19 overall record. The sixth-seed Beavers shocked everybody with an impressive 2-2 performance earning them fourth place overall.

The Beavers started out with an exciting 7-4 win against third-seed Central team. Trailing by two runs coming into the seventh inning, junior third baseman Jessica Stocker got up to the plate and ripped a three-run double that would end up giving the Beavers the upset victory.

“We started off down in the game and were able to rally together some hits in the seventh inning to have a comeback win. It was a big confidence boost because they have always been a top contender. It was a great feeling to make history and defeat the number three ranked team in the conference,” Stocker said.

The Beavers went on to lose to the second-seed team Luther by a Norse walk-off homerun in the eighth inning. They proceeded to face the Dubuque Spartans in another 10 inning thriller. This time, the Beavers came out on top 2-1. The Spartans failed attempt at picking off junior centerfielder, Jordon Pilcher resulted in the winning run in extra innings.

After an exciting and record-breaking run, the Beavers ended their season with a loss to Simpson. The Beavers’ fourth place finish was a first for any IIAC sixth seed team. Coach Heather Hupke said that their run in the conference tournament was the highlight of the season.

“I was so excited for the ladies. They have worked hard to accomplish the records this season. Everyone was in it from beginning to end, they played for each other,” Hupke said.

After their season, three Beavers were honored for their exceptional performances throughout the year. Junior Stephanie Hayden earned a spot on the IIAC First Team, while seniors Brittney Kubik and Samantha Engleman earned Second-Team honors.

Photo by Stephanie Steiner