Gustavus Box Score | Hamline Box Score

WINONA, Minn. - Despite a late-inning rally against the Hamline Pipers, the Bethel Royals' season came to an end today as they were defeated by both Gustavus and Hamline in the double elimination MIAC playoffs by scores of 5-1, and 4-3, respectively.

The Royals actually held a 1-0 lead against the regular season MIAC champion Gusties early in the game. Lynnae Thompson (Jr., Stewartville, Minn.) singled to lead off the second inning, and then was replaced on the base paths by Chelsea Kopca (Jr., Andover, Minn.). Kopca advanced to both second and third by way of wild pitches and then came in to score on an RBI ground out by Ashley Johnsen (Jr., Maple Grove, Minn.).

Unfortunately, that lone run would be all the Royals would get against a Gustie team that allowed an average of only one run per game in conference play. Nea Harkness (Jr., Winthrop, Minn.) toed the slab for Bethel and allowed five runs on seven hits and six walks in 5 2/3 innings pitched. She struck out two batters before turning the ball over to Charitey Rowden (Jr., Shellsburg, Iowa), who finished out the game by getting one out in the bottom of the sixth.

Bethel had little time to regroup before taking on Hamline, who had lost 7-4 to defending conference playoff champions, St. Thomas. A pitching duel ensued, as neither team scored for the first four frames.

Hamline broke a scoreless tie by bringing two runs across the plate in the bottom of the fifth inning, but Bethel was able to answer with a run in the top of the sixth to cut their deficit in half. With one out, Lauren Habisch (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.) reached on an error. With back-to-back singles by Johnsen and Lisa Patnode (Jr., Princeton, Minn.), the bases were loaded. After a strikeout, Tonia Erickson (Jr., Welcome, Minn.) hit a two-out RBI single, but it would be all the Royals would get for the inning.

The Pipers came back with an additional two runs in the bottom of the sixth off of starter Rebecca Akerson (So., Lakeville, Minn.), extending their lead back out to 4-1.

The Royals, now in do-or-die mode, got one more chance to tie or take the lead in the top of the seventh. Senior co-captain Amber Beasley (Medina, Minn.) led off with a single and moved over to second after a walk to slugger Kelly Berg (So., South Haven, Minn.). Both runners moved over after a ground out, bringing up Habisch, who then doubled to right field, bringing in two runs. With the score now 4-3, Bethel put additional pressure on Hamline as Karina Roe (Sr., Grey Eagle, Minn.) also drew a walk. Both Roe and Habisch advanced on a wild pitch, putting runners on second and third base with just one out.

However, the Royals were not able to even the score as the next two batters got out, thus ending what was otherwise a fantastic season.

Akerson went the distance, allowing four runs on eight hits in six innings. She did not walk a batter and struck out five in her first playoff game.

Bethel's season ends with the Royals earning a 23-19 overall record.