Box Score

CLERMONT, Fla. - After sweeping Grove City College yesterday, the Royals looked to continue their success against Kean University of New Jersey.  However, a five-run fifth inning for Kean doomed Bethel as they were handed their first loss of the season, 10-4.

Kean held a 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the third inning when Michelle Wilson (Fr., Anoka, Minn.) singled, then advanced to third on a single by captain Laura Naig (Sr., Kasson, Minn.).  With Kelly Berg (Fr., South Haven, Minn.) batting, Wilson came around to score on an error by Kean shortstop Johanna Hedler to give Bethel their first run.

The next inning, the Royals came from behind to take the lead 4-3.  With one out, Karina Roe (Jr., Grey Eagle, Minn.) walked, followed by a Tonya Erickson (So., Welcome, Minn.) single.  Wilson then walked to load the bases for All-MIAC catcher Molly Trombley (Sr., Stacy, Minn.), who singled to score Roe.  Wilson and Erickson also scored in the inning giving Bethel a one-run lead.

However, their lead would be short lived.  Kean took the lead for good with a five-run fifth inning to go up 8-4, and then tacked on two more in the sixth to seal the victory.

Rebecca Akerson (Fr., Lakeville, Minn.) pitched 4.1 innings before Kelsey Simmons (So., Guernsey, Wyo.) came on in relief.  Akerson gave up six runs on four hits while walking four and striking out five.

Naig and Lauren Habisch (So., Lakeville, Minn.) were both 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Royals.

The loss drops Bethel to 2-1 overall on the season, while Kean improves to 11-1.  Bethel will take on Concordia-Wisconsin later on today for their next game.