ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University began its quest for back-to-back MIAC championships Monday afternoon when they hosted Gustavus Adolphus College in the 2016 conference and home opener. The Royals (6-10, 1-1 MIAC) dropped the opening tilt 7-4 before responding with a 9-4 victory over the Golden Gusties (7-5, 1-1 MIAC) in game two.
 
Bethel allowed the Gusties a five-run frame in the top of the third inning of game one—all with two outs—which led to their eventual demise. But BU pulled out their own six-run effort—all unearned—in the bottom of the fifth inning of game two, which propelled them to a five-run victory.
 
Casey Marcus led the Royals at the plate, as the senior outfielder went 3-for-5 with two RBI, four runs, one walk, and a double. Third baseman Wendy Roberts was 4-of-7 with one RBI and three runs. Abbie Bircher went 2-for-8 with two runs, one RBI, one double, and one triple.

Lindsay Edeen improved to 3-4 in the circle, as the senior allowed four runs and three walks, while also striking out three in the complete-game victory.
 
Bethel returns to action next Tuesday when they travel to Macalester for a twin bill against the Scots in St. Paul beginning at 4:30 p.m.