DUNDAS, Minn. - The Bethel University softball team got off to a good start Saturday evening, winning a pair of contests against UW-Superior by scores of 7-6 and 8-3 at the Dundas Dome. The Royals are 2-0 on the young season.

Pitcher Hannah Schmidt set the table for the Bethel offense to take over by pitching five innings and allowing one run on four hits. Tied 1-1 after the second frame, Superior failed to score again until the final inning when Bethel led 7-1. The Yellowjackets stormed back with five runs to threaten in the seventh but left two runners in scoring position as Ellie Rogers closed out the game 7-6. All Bethel players in the starting lineup recorded a hit. Allie Fauth, Alexa Hanowski and Jamie Axelberg each snagged two hits and Schmidt drove in two runs.

The Royals turned the offense back on quickly in game two, scoring five runs in the first inning using three singles, a double and a defensive error to their benefit. Hanowski was 4-for-4 in the game and sparked the scoring burst on a bunt base hit. Fauth's two-run home run in the third added an extra cushion to the lead.

Not looking back, the Royals cruised to an 8-3 victory behind Calli Maki pitching seven strong innings allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits.

Bethel plays UW-Stevens Point in another doubleheader Monday, with first pitch set for 10:30 a.m. at the West St. Paul Dome.