Briar Cliff softball went 1-1 Saturday to close out the McPherson Classic. The Chargers fell in game one 0-2 against #10 Baker, before rebounding with a 3-2 win over Bethany.
 
"Overall, it was a great spring break for us. The team really battled through some tough elements and had a strong showing," said head coach Erin Bly. "Our pitching staff did a great job keeping us in every game. We held tough with a top 10 team and are excited to get back to work and find a way to win those games."
 
Game 1 vs Baker – L, 0-2
The Chargers were no-hit by the Wildcats, but had six baserunners via error, walks and hit by pitches. The Chargers had runners on second base in both of the first two innings but were held at bay by the Wildcats.
 
Baker scored one run in the third and another in the fifth to take the 2-0 win.
 
Maddi Duncan is tagged with the loss but held her own against the #10 team in the NAIA. Duncan allowed just two earned runs, eight hits and struck out six batters. Karis Gifford tallied a stolen base for the Cliff.
 
Game 2 vs Bethany – 3-2
The Chargers scored first against the Swedes in the bottom of the third. Ali Naumann singled to lead the inning, and after a Karis Gifford single and a Bethany error she scored the first run. Gifford advanced to third base on the same error, and was brought home in the next at-bat off a sac fly from Callie Billings.
 
Bethany evened the score in the top of the fourth with a pair of runs. After scoring the game's first run, Naumann brought home the game winning run in the bottom half of the inning driving in Sydney Lierman to give BC a 3-2 lead.
 
Katelyn Kotlarz got the start against the Swedes and went 3.1 innings, gave up two runs and struck out three batters. Duncan entered in relief and tossed 3.2 scoreless innings and had three stirkeouts.
 
Gifford, Kylee Lukes and Naumann each recorded two hits each. Billings, Gifford and Naumann each drove in one run.
 
The Chargers improve to 14-6 and will have a break before returning to the field on March 22 against Peru State in Peru, Nebraska.