Bethel University's softball squad was ready to wipe away its first double-header of the season last Wednesday as they traveled to Winona, Minn. Saturday to take on the Cardinals in a two-game affair. The Royals were downed 9-2 in the first, but used a seven-run seventh inning in game two to win 9-5.
 
In the opener BU knotted it up at one apiece in the second inning, however, the Cardinals put runs across the plate in every inning of play except the sixth to win 9-2. Cristina Masten (So, Fergus Falls, Minn.) doubled in the fifth inning, which allowed her to score the second run of the game for the Royals later in the frame.
 
Overall Bethel managed six hits and two walks throughout competition, however, no player managed more than one hit in the seven-inning effort.
 
Genna Bock (Sr., Circle Pines, Minn.) gave up 12 hits in the six innings of pitching, striking out one batter and walking two.
 
Game two looked to be just as daunting early on, as Saint Mary's put up five runs in the first three innings. However, the Royals quieted the Cardinals from there on out and let its own bats take off.
 
In the sixth inning BU got two runs, followed by a seven-run escapade in the top of the seventh that helped Bethel secure a 9-5 win. The pitcher, Anja Erlandson (Sr., White Bear Lake, Minn.), lifted a sizeable weight off her own back with a three-run home run in the seventh that lifted the Royals to nine total runs.
 
For the entire game, Erlandson led the team with three RBI's in a 2-for-4 day at the plate in game two. Jess Newstrom (Jr., Cambridge, Minn.) finished with three hits and two RBI's as well.
 
In the pitching circle Erlandson recorded another complete-game victory, striking out two and walking two in the seven-inning showcase.
 
The Royals, now 7-13 overall (1-3 MIAC), will continue its MIAC schedule Tuesday, April 3 with an afternoon double-header matinee against the University of St. Thomas. Game time is set to begin at 3:30 p.m.