ST. PAUL—Bethel University's softball team opened the 2018 season with a pair of wins over UW-Superior in the West St. Paul Dome, but they didn't come without a little drama.
 
The Royals (2-0) were down to their last out in Monday's opener, but Jana Roste's clutch two-out triple—BU's only hit of the game—tied the Yellow jackets (2-4) at 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh frame and Bethel went on to win by a final score of 3-2 thanks to a walkoff sac fly by senior Megan Bode in the eighth inning. The Royals utilized that momentum to cruise to a 9-0 shutout in the series finale.
 
Hannah Schmidt got the nod for BU in 2018's opener. She allowed two runs on six hits and zero walks, while striking out three in 8.0 innings pitched. Freshman Amanda Gemuenden tossed a shutout in her college debut, giving up four hits and one walk in the complete-game affair.
 
Megan Bode had a career day at the plate, recording three hits—including one double and one triple, six total bases, two runs, and one RBI in four at bats. Her senior counterpart, Wendy Roberts, finished 3-for-7 with one double, one run, and one RBI. Jana Roste led the team with three RBI in six at bats.
 
Another positive was Bethel's defense. Emily Eaton posted nine assists at short-stop, while Alexa Hanowski (2B) and Jamie Axelberg (3B) each finished with five. None of the three was charged with an error.
 
BU gets right back to it on Tuesday, when they face UW-Stevens Point at the same time and the same place as Monday. First pitch between the Royals and Pointers is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the West St. Paul Dome.