CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Nine teams. Two sites. Up to 17 possible games. And a trophy. The American Rivers Conference Softball Tournament began today with the 8/9 play-in game between Buena Vista and Loras. The eighth-seeded Beavers got a first-inning grand slam from Carrie Dose as the big blow in an 8-0 win over the Duhawks. The run rule ended the contest in the bottom of the fifth inning. 
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Dose's bomb was the first of her career and began a 2-for.3 day for the junior. Michaela Mason was terrific in the leadoff spot, roping three hits and scoring two runs. The Duhawks loaded the bases in the second inning, but the Beavers escaped the threat.

Next up for Buena Vista is a noon matchup against conference champion and pod-host Coe. Thursday action in Cedar Rapids begins with the 10:00 a.m. game between fourth-seeded Luther and fifth-seeded Simpson. The second four-team pod is hosted by Wartburg.  Sixth-seeded Nebraska Wesleyan plays third-seeded Central at 10:00 a.m. followed by seventh-seeded Dubuque against second-seeded Wartburg at noon.
 

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