Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

ST. PAUL—Bethel's softball team returned from Orlando, Fla., with a 9-6 overall record, however, the Royals could not extend their momentum Sunday, as they dropped a pair of games in the MIAC opener to the University of St. Thomas, 8-1 and 11-0.
 
Game One (St. Thomas 8, Bethel 1)
 
The Royals tallied the first punch in the opening matchup, scoring a run in the bottom of the second to go ahead 1-0. Centerfielder Tara Schinke was hit by a pitch, and then advanced to second on a passed ball. With two outs Micayla Moore drove in Schinke on a single to left field.
 
The Tommies wasted little time, though, scoring two runs in the top of the third, one in the fourth, three in the fifth, and two more in the sixth. Bethel was able to muster just two hits in the afternoon matinee and was allowed four base runners total. Abbie Bircher was the only other member of the BU squad to collect a hit.
 
Courtney Saurer got the start in the circle for the Royals and allowed four runs (three earned) in 4.0 innings, allowing six hits and one walk, while striking out two. Karli Persson finished the final three innings for BU and gave up four runs on five hits and two walks.
 
Game Two (St. Thomas 11, Bethel 0)
 
Like game one, game two had a lot of intensity and very competitive play early. Neither team scored throughout the first three innings, however, it was the Royals inability to score with the bases loaded in the bottom of the third that devastated BU's energy, as the Tommies scored five runs in the next half inning.
 
Micayla Moore led off the third with a base hit to right field and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Angie Jackson then drew a walk and Tara Schinke laid down a sacrifice bunt that sent Moore and Jackson to third and second. Cristina Masten then attempted a squeeze play with just one out, but UST's pitcher was able to get Moore out at home just in time. First baseman Kelsey Anderson then drew a walk to load the bases with two outs, but a strikeout ended the threat.
 
St. Thomas then scored five in the top of the fourth, one in the top of the fifth, and five more in the top of the sixth. Meanwhile, the Royals were unable to pose a real threat throughout the remainder of the game.
 
Bethel finished the second contest with four hits and three walks. Nobody reached base more than once. Lindsay Edeen toed the rubber for five innings and allowed six earned runs on nine hits and one walk. Shelbi Swenson allowed four earned runs in the final inning of play on five hits and zero walks.
 
What's Ahead

The Royals are scheduled to be back in action Tuesday against Macalester. With ominous weather projected this next week, schedules are likely to change. Stay tuned to www.bethelroyals.com for all game information or follow the Royals on twitter and facebook.