The Briar Cliff softball team saw their six-game win streak snapped Tuesday as they dropped a pair of GPAC games to RV Dordt. The Defenders took a game one pitcher's duel 3-0 in extra innings, while they won game two by a score of 9-1.
 
"Unfortunately, that was a really tough day for the program," said head coach Erin Bly. "The moment got bigger than us. As a team we've not been in a position to contend for the top of conference and it's a learning moment to rely on the hard work and preparation we've put in."
 
Game 1 – L, 0-3 (8 innings)
 
Maddi Duncan and Abby Kraemer went toe-to-toe in a game one pitcher's duel that saw Duncan carry a no-hit bid into the seventh inning.
 
Between the second and third innings, Duncan struck out four batters in a row and had totaled six punch outs. The Charger bats advanced runners to scoring position in three of the first four innings but were held scoreless by Dordt's Kraemer.
 
In the bottom of the sixth, the Chargers found runners on second and third with two outs. Briar Cliff, however, was unable to find the timely hit and were forced into a ground out that ended the inning.
 
Duncan's no hitter was ended in the top of the seventh on a Dordt double, but the Charger ace forced a ground out to end the frame. Briar Cliff started the bottom half of the inning with a leadoff single by Jessica James, but three straight swinging strikeouts were retire the side.
 
After a Defender single to begin the first extra inning, Duncan recorded back-to-back strikeouts. However, the Defenders rallied with two outs, scoring two runs on a double to right center and making the score 3-0 after an RBI single. Despite going down in order in the bottom of the eighth, the Chargers hit the ball hard but were unfortunately directed right at the Dordt infielders.
 
Duncan is tagged with her fifth loss of the season (17-5) and struck out 12 batters, gave up three runs on five hits in 8.0 innings of work.
 
Ali Naumann and Karis Gifford tallied two hits each, while James recorded the other Charger hit. Naumann stole two bases, while James and Callie Billings each swiped one base.
 
"It's a hard day, but to win those moments you sometimes have to lose them," said Bly. "It's a tough lesson that hurts, but one that will make us stronger if we let it."
 
Game 2 – L, 1-9
 
Fielding errors and free bases proved costly for the Chargers, as Dordt totaled nine runs on just four hits in game two. The Defenders scored twice in the third and three times in the fifth.
 
The Chargers earned a run back in the sixth, after Billings singled to lead off the inning, she moved to third after a pair of wild pitches. Lukes brought Billings home with a SAC fly to right field. The Chargers, however, were held scoreless the remainder of the game.
 
Kotlarz takes the loss and moves to 11-6 on the season after 4.2 innings of work. She gave up five runs (one earned) while striking out seven. Morgan Jones threw 2.1 innings in relief with three strikeouts and four runs (0 earned).
 
The Chargers return to Bishop Mueller Complex on Thursday for a doubleheader against crosstown rival Morningside. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m.