Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—The Bethel University softball team waited 14 days to get back on the field of play after their split against Gustavus in the MIAC opener, but unfortunately for the Royals (6-12, 1-3 MIAC) their patience was not rewarded Sunday, as No. 17-ranked St. Catherine University swept BU by a final scores of 12-6 and 9-0.
 
Bethel possessed a 6-3 lead heading into the final inning of play of game one, but the Wildcats (17-2, 4-2 MIAC) unearthed nine runs in the top of the seventh inning and went on to win 12-6. Meanwhile, the Royals were held to one hit in the second tilt, which kept BU off the scoreboard in the 9-0 defeat.
 
Casey Marcus finished the first game 3-for-3 at the plate, which included a two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the second and an RBI-single in the bottom of the fifth. Abbie Bircher also posted multiple hits, as the leadoff batter was 2-for-4 with one run and a stolen base. Jessica Davis went 1-for-4 with a run and an RBI.
 
Anna Nichols got her first action in the circle this season, as she threw in both the first and the second game. Nichols allowed three earned runs in 6.2 innings pitched, while striking out one and walking one.
 
The Royals look to rebound Thursday in Moorhead, as they take on Concordia College for a midweek doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.