ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel softball suffered a significant blow after dropping a pair of conference contests to Carleton College Thursday afternoon. The Royals (12-16, 5-9 MIAC) had several chances to defeat the Knights (12-14, 7-9 MIAC) in the opening game, but fell via an unearned run in the top of the sixth. Carleton then used that momentum to score three runs in the top of the first of game two and never looked back, winning 8-0 in five frames.
 
BU tallied four hits in game one, opposed to Carleton's two. Not only did they outhit the Knights, but the Royals also had runners in scoring position in the first, third, fourth, and sixth innings, but couldn't come up with the clutch hit to drive in the go-ahead run.
 
Hannah Schmidt finished the first game with a complete-game performance, surrendering two hits and two walks while striking out four in 7.0 innings. Amanda Gemuenden went 1-for-2 with a triple and a hit-by-pitch and three others recorded a base hit.
 
The Royals mustered just three hits in game two, opposed Carleton's 12. Jana Roste finished 1-for-2 with a double, while Mariah Uphoff went 1-for-1 with a sac bunt. Amanda Gemuenden suffered the loss inside the circle, allowing five hits and three runs—two earned in 2.1 innings pitched.
 
Bethel will try to end their current skid Saturday when they host Macalester College at Ona Orth Complex at 1 and 3 p.m. The Royals will then celebrate senior day on Sunday, April 29, when they welcome Saint Mary's University for another weekend doubleheader.