ST. PETER, Minn.—Bethel University's softball team started MIAC play when taking on Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter Saturday afternoon. The Royals (5-9, 1-1 MIAC) topped the Gusties (12-5, 1-1 MIAC) 5-3 in game one of the doubleheader, but fell in the second by a final score of 3-0.
 
BU started the opening tilt with three runs in the top of the second inning before GAC got two back in the bottom of the frame. The Royals then picked up two much-needed insurance runs in the sixth before Gustavus put together a late-game rally that yielded just one run in the bottom of the frame. Neither team plated a runner in the seventh, which led to the eventual 5-3 finish.
 
Bethel recorded six hits, one walk, and two stolen bases throughout the seven-inning affair. Hannah Schmidt led the Royals at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a walk, double, and one run scored. Erika Schwartz delivered a two-run double in the second and Alexa Hanowski ripped a two-run single in the sixth—and both did it with two outs.
 
Anna Nichols improved to 3-6 on the season with a complete-game victory. Nichols suffered two earned runs on seven hits, but the senior struck out four and walked zero in the win.
 
BU had one bad inning defensively in game two and that proved to be the difference, as Gustavus scored three runs in the fourth frame and held on to win by a final score of 3-0.
 
Bethel sprinkled three hits over seven innings. Jana Roste went 1-for-2 with a walk, double, and stolen base. Maddie Fauth also tallied a double in her 1-for-3 effort in game two.
 
Anna Nichols started game two and gave up two hits and no runs in 2.0 innings pitched. Hannah Schmidt stepped into the circle for the remainder of the game and was charged the loss after allowing three  earned runs on three this and one walk in 4.0 innings pitched. 
 
The Royals return home for Sunday's twin bill against Macalester College. Bethel's home opener against the Scots is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.