VIDEO: Jay Slick
VIDEO: Mike Sedjo
 
Day five in Florida began beautifully as all teams were welcomed with not only fantastic weather, but also with quality performances. In fact, the men's and women's tennis squads gracefully brought day four into day five with a late night competition Monday. The pairs' second dual of the day ended with a 1-1 finish, as the women were upended 3-5, yet the men endured until the very end to grab a 5-4 win over Lawrence University.
 
Bethel's women's squad captured a victory in the No. 2 and 3 doubles, and Amanda Johnson (So., Vadnais Heights, Minn.) ended her day perfectly with the only singles win, yet it wasn't enough as the Royals were sent away with the fourth loss of the season.
 
The men's team was able to overcome early adversity, after grabbing just one win in the doubles competition via Bryce Johnson (Sr., Blaine, Minn.) and Kirby Ronning (So., Blaine, Minn.). Bryce and Kirby were both flawless on the day, as each captured a win in their singles match as well, alongside Tucker Morris (Jr., Arden Hills, Minn.) and Kent Nichols (Sr., Zimmerman, Minn.), who also defeated their opponents in the singles competition.

The men's club has now picked up consecutive wins and stands 2-4. The women dip below .500 with a 3-4 record. Each team will battle Birmingham Southern Wednesday, March 21 at the Lake Cane Courts at 11:30 a.m.
 
The softball squad put on another two-game effort Tuesday, starting the day out with an 11-6 victory over Union College and finishing the day with an 8-1 loss to the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, Luther.
 
Against Union College the Royals scattered 15 hits across the diamond, as six players recorded a multi-hit game. Rachel Gilbert (Jr., Becker, Minn.) and Angie Jackson (Fr., Oakdale, Minn.) each drove in a pair of RBI's, while Megan Matson (Jr., Mound, Minn.) and Jackson each crossed home plate twice.
 
Bethel continued to ride the wind of Anja Erlandson (Sr., White Bear Lake, Minn.) in game one, who composed her third straight win in a row. The senior pitcher threw another complete game, striking out six and giving up three earned runs.
 
In game two against Luther College, BU allowed ten hits and surrendered an error in the 8-1 defeat. Bethel trailed just 2-1 in the fourth inning, however, five runs in the fourth and fifth inning were detrimental to Bethel's chances.
 
The Royals mustered four hits by four different batters in game two and it was Britni Balzer (So., Gladwin, Minn.), who knocked home the only Bethel run of the afternoon matinee.
 
Genna Bock (Sr., Circle Pines, Minn.) and Courtney Saurer (Fr., Chanhassen, Minn.) handled the pitching mound in game two. Bock struck out three batters, however, the two allowed eight runs in the seven-inning affair.
 
With the split, the softball team goes to 4-5 on the season, with the University of Chicago and Ramapo College on the schedule for Wednesday, March 21. Live stats will continue to be provided here.
 
The baseball squad enjoyed an exciting day, as the Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins rookie team in a 7.5 inning exhibition contest. Chris Dent, a former Bethel player and member of the BU coaching staff, pitched the entire game in an effort to give the Royal's pitchers a day-off. Dent performed exceptionally well, recording five strikeouts and two pick-offs while holding the opponent to one run (unearned).
 
Ryan Hangartner (So., Watertown, Minn.) delivered a clutch two-out hit with the bases loaded that scored two runners in the fourth inning, securing the eventual 2-1 finish. Hangartner's single was just one of two BU hits the entire game. It also should be noted, that the players were using wood bats.
 
While enjoying the afternoon game, Minnesota Twins General Manager Terry Ryan and Twins Hitting Coordinator Bill Springman both noted their excitement about the Bethel Royals potential with Head Coach Brian Raabe in the dugout. “Brian has an exceptional amount of passion for the game and I believe he is in his element coaching this team,” noted Ryan. “His tenacity and wisdom will have these players and this team heading in the right direction for years to come.” Springman also noted his excitement about Coach Raabe, pointing out his character, drive, and leadership in regards to managing this program.
 
Players and fans in attendance were also welcomed to a post-game reception at the field, allowing many alumni, parents, and current students a chance to interact even more.
 
The baseball unit will take on SUNY Oneonta Wednesday in a double header slated to begin at 10 a.m.