DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Spartans dropped nightcap, 4-1, and finish their opening weekend of Iowa Conference play 1-3 against the Beavers.

In the cleanest game of the four-game series, the Beavers jumped out early after plating two runs in the top of the first thanks in part to three straight singles to start the game. The Spartans (6-10, 1-3 Iowa Conference) countered with one run in the bottom of the third on a LF Trace Florek RBI-double to cut the lead to 2-1.

Florek earned the Spartans lone RBI and provided a team-high two hits.

An RBI-single and sacrifice fly concluded the scoring for Buena Vista (13-2, 3-1 Iowa Conference) and provided the final margin of victory.

Both teams earned their keep as the first error didn't occur until the top of the ninth inning and didn't affect the game's scoring. It was the only game in the series not to feature an unearned run.

The Spartans finished with six hits, including three doubles. Hits and runs were hard to come by against Beaver starter Jacob Hadaway (2-0) who remained undefeated after surrendering five hits and one earned run while striking out seven in 6.0 innings of work. Hadaway's brother, Lucas Hadaway, secured his IIAC-leading sixth save after giving up one hit in a scoreless ninth.

Despite a quality start, RHP Jacob Padilla (1-2), was tagged with the tough-luck loss after tossing 6.0 innings and surrendering three earned runs and nine hits while striking out five. Reliever LHP Trent Van Egtern pitched effectively in 3.0 innings of relief, allowing one earned run and one hit.

UD will drop to 36-78 in the series against Buena Vista.

The Spartans face rival Loras (9-9, 4-4 Iowa Conference) for the first of two meetings this Tuesday, March 31 at 3:30 p.m. The Duhawks went 1-3 in their series against Coe this weekend.