ST PAUL – Bethel University's softball team kicked off their MIAC schedule on a high note Saturday, as the Royals split their opening series against the University of St. Thomas by a final of 9-10 (8 inn.) and 7-2. With the split Bethel goes to 10-8 on the season and 1-1 in league play.
 
BU's split with the Tommies was very exciting, as the Royals hadn't defeated the UST since 1998, snapping a 16-season and 37-game streak. Bethel also handed a loss to St. Thomas on their home turf, which says something since they had won 57 of their last 58.
 
The Royals rallied in the opening tilt after trailing 3-9 in the fifth inning and then closed the door in the second contest with a five-run victory. From the start of the fifth frame in game one to the end of the seventh in game two, BU scored 13 runs compared to the Tommies' three.

Bethel hit three home runs in Saturday's opener, including a solo shot from Angie Jackson, Caroline Kivisto, and Micayla Moore. Jackson finished the game 3-for-5 with three runs and two RBI's, while Kivisto finished 3-for-4 with a walk, two runs and two RBI's. Jackson, Kivisto, and Moore all had a double in addition to their home run.

Caroline Kivisto stayed hot in the second, going 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBI's and one run. Three others, including Angie Jackson, Kelsey Anderson, and Abbie Bircher all tallied one hit, but scored twice.
 
Kelsey Anderson started the first game in the circle, but it was Karli Persson that was credited with the loss. Anderson allowed eight earned runs in 3.1 innings pitched, while Persson gave up the game-winning blast—the only earned run in 3.2 innings pitched. Two-time MIAC Pitcher of the Year for St. Thomas, Kendra Bowe, was charged for eight earned runs in the first game.
 
Lindsay Edeen improved to 5-3 on the year as she started and ended the second matchup. The complete-game victory featured seven hits and one walk allowed, along with three strikeouts.
 
With great momentum after today's near sweep, Bethel looks forward to Monday's nonconference doubleheader against UW-River Falls and Tuesday's twin bill at Macalester. First pitch Monday is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., while Tuesday's conference matinee is penciled in for 4:30 p.m.