ST. PAUL -- Bethel University's softball team continued its stellar start to the conference schedule, as the Royals swept Macalester College in St. Paul Tuesday evening. BU topped the Scots 9-6 in the opener before run-ruling them 12-4 in the night cap. Bethel's sweep over Macalester improves the Royals record to 12-10 overall and 3-1 aginast league opponents.

BU jumped out to a 9-1 lead in Tuesday's first game, but the Scots trimmed Bethel's lead to three before falling short in the 9-6 finish. Game two witnessed Macalester taking the initial 1-0 lead after the first inning, but the Royals scored 12 runs in the final four innings for a 12-4 victory.

Bethel's bats were outstanding throughout the twin bill, as five different players tallied multi-hit games Tuesday. Jess Brown went 3-for-5 with a walk and two runs scored, while Shelbi Swenson went 3-for-7 with one run and five RBI's. Her triple in game two led to three runs scored.

Also having an extraordinary day at the plate was Abbie Bircher, who went 3-for-7 with one walk and five RBI's. She, too, drove in three runs with a double in the fourth inning of game two. Caroline Kivisto finished the day 2-for-7 with two walks, one RBI, and four runs scored, while Angie Jackson was 4-for-6 with two walks, two doubles, and six runs.

Lindsay Edeen improved to 6-4 on the season with her complete-game effort in Tuesday's opener. Edeen gave up 12 hits, two walks, and three earned runs, while striking out seven along the way.

Karli Persson picked up her third win of the season after a complete-game outing in game two. Persson allowed six hits and four earned runs, but struck out five and walked none in 6.0 innings pitched.

Bethel now looks ahead to Thursday afternoon when they face Saint Mary's University for an MIAC doubleheader in Winona beginning at 3:30 p.m. The Cardinals opened conference play with a sweep over Carleton College tonight in Northfield.