ST. PETER, Minn.—Bethel University's softball team suffered a heartbreaking sweep at Gustavus Adolphus College Sunday afternoon. The Royals (12-14, 5-7 MIAC) led late in both games, but the Gusties (9-17, 5-7 MIAC) came back to win both by final scores of 4-3 and 5-4 (8 inn.).
 
BU put up two runs in the top of the first and one more in the second in Sunday's opening game, but was held scoreless in the final five frames. Allie Fauth led off the game with a double to center and scored on an RBI sacrifice fly by Wendy Roberts. Amanda Gemuenden then pulled a two-out double to left center and scored later on a strategic steal by Jana Roste. Jamie Axelberg then drew a one-out walk and stole second before scoring on an RBI single from Alexa Hanowski. Gustavus rallied to score two in the fifth and two in the sixth and went on to win game one 4-3.
 
Allie Fauth finished 3-for-4 with a double and one run, while Wendy Roberts, Amanda Gemuenden, Maddie Fauth, and Alexa Hanowski each recorded a hit. Hannah Schmidt allowed four runs—two earned—on nine hits and two walks, while striking out three in 6.0 innings pitched.
 
GAC struck first in game two, scoring the first run in the bottom of the first. Bethel responded, though, with a three-run third. Cassidy Abbott began the frame with a single, followed by a sac bunt by Alexa Hanowski and a RBI single by Allie Fauth. Fauth then advanced to third and scored on an RBI bunt by Mariah Uphoff and Uphoff scored later in the inning on a single by Hannah Schmidt. Schmidt added an insurance run with an RBI in the fifth, giving the Royals a 4-1 lead after 4.5 innings played. The Gusties tied it in the fifth with three runs—two earned—and won it in the eighth with a walkoff sac fly.
 
Jamie Axelberg and Cassidy Abbott both finished 3-for-4 in game two, while Mariah Uphoff also collected a pair of hits. Hannah Schmidt tallied two RBI and Uphoff scored twice. Amanda Gemuenden threw 4.2 innings and Hannah Schmidt finished the final 3.0 frames. Gemuenden allowed three earned runs on seven hits and one walk, while Schmidt allowed one run on five hits and zero walks. Together they amassed five strikeouts.
 
Bethel returns to action Thursday, April 26 when they take on Carleton College in their home opener at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.