Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Bethel clinched a playoff spot for the second season in a row with a 2-1 win over the St. Olaf Oles today.

St. Olaf took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, but the Royals tied the game back up in the top of the sixth thanks to a solo home run by Ashley Johnsen (Sr., Maple Grove, Minn.). The pitcher's duel continued until the ninth inning when Rachel Gilbert (Fr., Becker, Minn.) reached on an error, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and then came around to score on an RBI double by Lisa Patnode (Sr., Princeton, Minn.).

Bethel pitcher Rebecca Akerson (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.) allowed just one hit in the bottom of the ninth, but held the Oles scoreless for her 10th win of the season and the Royals were able to clinch a spot in the upcoming MIAC playoffs. Akerson allowed just four hits and three walks while striking out nine in a nine-inning complete game effort. The Royals did not commit a defensive error in the game.

In the second game, the Royals committed several errors that led to all six of St. Olaf's runs in a 6-2 loss. Pitchers Charitey Rowden (Sr., Shellsburg, Iowa) and Nea Harkness (Sr., Winthrop, Minn.) did not allow any earned runs in the defeat. Bethel had a tough time stringing together hits to take full advantage of four extra base hits. Gilbert led the Royals at the plate by going 2-for-2 with two doubles and an RBI.

The split series is the first split for the Royals since the Concordia games in early April. Bethel finishes the regular season at 14-8 in the conference - the same record they posted last season - and 22-18 overall. St. Olaf is 12-8 in the MIAC and is one of four teams still vying for a playoff spot. The Royals will learn who their first round opponent is on Sunday.

NOTES:
- Nea Harkness reached 200 career strikeouts by fanning Katie Truax in the fifth inning. Charitey Rowden reached 200 career strikeouts earlier in the week.