MIAC Release

Last week, the Bethel softball team picked up a big sweep of Macalester in its only action, with first-year pitcher Karli Persson (Albany, Minn.) playing a big role on the mound in both wins. Persson earned the win in game one and a save in game two, completing 7.1 total innings and allowing just two runs on six hits with no walks and seven strikeouts. Her ERA for the week was 1.91. For her versatile performances, Persson was named the MIAC Softball Pitcher-of-the-Week for the second time this season.

Persson started off the Royals' winning ways with a brilliant complete-game win in a 10-2 victory over the Scots. She threw six innings, allowing just two runs on six hits with six strikeouts and no walks. Then, in a narrow nightcap, Bethel turned to Persson again to close the door. She responded by getting the last four outs to earn her first collegiate save. She didn't allow a base runner and struck out one in her relief appearance. This season, Persson leads the league with two shutouts and ranks second in the MIAC in strikeouts (85), complete games (11) and innings pitched (94.1), third in wins (nine) and fourth in ERA (2.60).

The two wins helped Bethel improve to 15-11 overall and 6-4 in conference play. If the season ended today, the Royals would sit in fourth place, and would earn a spot in the four-team MIAC Softball Playoffs. Though schedules are continually changing due to weather, Bethel hopes to stay hot during a busy upcoming week. The Royals are scheduled to play at Augsburg Tuesday and at St. Olaf Wednesday before hosting three days of home doubleheaders over the weekend. Persson and company are slated to host Concordia Friday, Hamline Saturday and Carleton Sunday.