STORM LAKE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque softball team travelled down highway 20 to face the Buena Vista University Beavers in their American Rivers Conference opener. The Spartans struggled to find an offense and were held to no runs off four hits in a six innings loss 0-8. UD would hold on to capture the night cap in extra innings 5-3.

UD was held to four singles in the opening game. Kayla Breunig took the loss after allowing five hits and six earned runs and struck out two in three innings of work.

In the second game, UD jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the finale before BVU responded to take a 2-1 lead in the third with an RBI double The Spartans rallied late with a pair of runs in the six to take a slim 3-2 lead.  The host Beavers came through in the clutch by driving in the game-tying run in the bottom of the seventh with an RBI double.  BVU threatened to win the game later in the inning by loading the bases with only one out, but the Spartans battled out of the jam with a pop up and fly out.

The Spartans would take the lead in the eighth with a pair of two-out base hits with a Diorio doubled with an RBI and a Futton single to score an RBI to grabe a two run lead. BVU would go down in order in the home half on a pop up, a fly out to left field, and a fly out to center field. Wolff captured the victory, allowing eight hits, three earned runs, and two strikeouts.

UD continues the A-R-C action on Tuesday, April 5 at Simpson College beginning at 2 p.m. They return home for a doubleheader against the Augustana College Vikings on April 6 beginning at 3 p.m. in the Spartans home opener. The busy week continues when UD will host the Central College Dutch on April 9 beginning at 1 p.m.