Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Bethel continued its winning ways in softball today by defeating Macalester 12-8 and 8-1.

With the score tied 1-1 in the top of the third inning and Ashley Johnsen (Sr., Maple Grove, Minn.) on base, Kelly Berg (Jr., South Haven, Minn.) hit her fifth home run of the season to give the Royals a 3-1 lead. Bethel tacked on two more runs in the top of the fifth inning as Lauren Habisch (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.) drove in two runs with a double.

However, the Scots did not surrender and accept defeat without a fight. They scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning and then added five more runs in the bottom of the sixth to take an 8-5 lead heading into the top of the seventh.

Bethel was not about to go down quietly, either. The Royals erupted for seven runs by playing some small ball, taking advantage of Macalester errors, and then getting the big hit when they needed it. Ashley Lindberg (Sr., Sartell, Minn.) delivered a big two-run double to put Bethel back in front for good. In all, the Royals sent 13 batters to the plate in the top of the seventh and Nea Harkness (Sr., Winthrop, Minn.) pitched a perfect 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the seventh to preserve the win. 

Berg was a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs and three runs batted in, while Habisch was 3-for-5 with a run and two RBI.

In game two, Bethel continued the hit parade, scoring in five out of seven at bats on the way to an 8-1 win. Charitey Rowden (Sr., Shellsburg, Iowa) pitched masterfully, scattering four hits over seven innings of work and allowing just one run. She struck out seven and did not allow a walk while picking up her fifth win of the season.

Habisch went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in, including her third home run of the season. Berg went 2-for-3 with a run and run batted in. Macalester finally found a way to get her out in her last at bat of the day in the top of the sixth as she grounded out to the shortstop. Johnsen and Rachel Gilbert (Fr., Becker, Minn.) each had two hits in the nightcap as well.

Bethel pulls its overall record back up to .500 at 15-15 with the wins, and is now 7-5 in the MIAC. Meanwhile, Macalester falls to 6-24 overall and 2-10 in conference play. The Royals have a full head of steam heading into competition next week as they return home to take on #21 nationally ranked St. Thomas on Tuesday afternoon beginning at 4 p.m.