Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 WINONA, Minn.—Bethel University's softball team endured a tough Wednesday afternoon for a variety of reasons. The Royals (7-10, 3-2 MIAC) dropped their opener at Saint Mary's University by a final score of 4-6 and game two was suspended due to darkness after seven innings completed. As a result, BU and SMU will need to end the second game at a later date.
 
Only two Cardinal (7-14) runs were earned in Wednesday's opener as Bethel suffered four errors over the course of the seven-inning affair. In fact, Saint Mary's scored three runs—one earned—in the bottom of the first, which set the tone for the entire game.
 
SMU tacked on one more in the second before BU put up a three-spot in the fifth frame. The Royals loaded the bases with nobody out and eventually plated three runners via a wild pitch and two errors before the inning was over. Saint Mary's responded with two unearned runs in the sixth, however, and that proved to be just enough to overcome Bethel's seventh-inning rally.
 
Wendy Roberts finished 3-for-3 at the plate with two doubles and one hit-by-pitch and Jana Roste went 1-for-2 with a walk. The Royals collected seven total hits throughout the contest.
 
Anna Nichols dropped to 5-7 inside the circle as the senior gave up six hits, one walk, and four runs—two earned—in 3.0 innings pitched. Hannah Schmidt threw the final three frames and allowed four hits, one walk, and two runs—zero earned—while striking out one in 3.0 frames.
 
Bethel jumped ahead of Saint Mary's early in game two, as Wendy Roberts continued her hit streak with a single up the middle. A walk from Mariah Uphoff and a single to left from Anna Nichols loaded the bases for Emily Eaton, who hit an RBI groundout to short.
 
The Royals added two more in the third when Anna Nichols scored on an error and Erika Schwartz hit another RBI groundout. BU lead 3-2 heading into the bottom of the sixth, but SMU managed to get their leadoff runner on and sacrificed her to second before a two-out single evened the game at 3-3, which is where the game still stands after seven innings due to darkness.
 
Wendy Roberts went 2-for-3 with a walk and one run, while Anna Nichols finished 2-for-4 with one run. Jana Roste was the only other BU player to record a hit, as Saint Mary's surrendered just five hits and three walks to Bethel.
 
Hannah Schmidt pitched a gem inside the circle as the freshman allowed eight hits, zero walks, and three runs—two earned—over the seven innings of play.
 
Bethel's 2017 campaign continues Saturday, April 8, when they head to St. Catherine for a twin bill on what looks to be a beautiful day. The Royals and Wildcats will throw the opening pitch at 1 p.m.