ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Continuing one of its toughest stretches in MIAC play with three straight series against top-four MIAC standing teams, the Bethel University softball team earned a doubleheader split with St. Thomas Saturday afternoon at Ona Orth Athletic Complex.

The Tommies took the opener 6-0, before sophomore right-hander Kayla Simacek shutdown UST, 3-0. Both teams move to 15-5 on the year and 8-2 in MIAC play.

Game 1: St. Thomas 6, Bethel 0
The Royals were shutout for the first time this season while being held to four hits. Their first hit of the game came in the fourth on a single to center by Amanda Gemuenden.

St. Thomas expanded on its 1-0 lead with a four-run sixth. The Royals stranded one in scoring position in the home half of the inning before stranding another in the seventh.

Game 2: Bethel 3, St. Thomas 0
Bethel bounced back in the nightcap with a one-hit shutout pitching performance from Simacek. In her complete game effort she struck out nine and walked none while improving to 9-2 on the year.

The Royals top of the order produced opportunities where Allie Fauth and Amanda Gemuenden each notched a pair of hits. Cortney Hokanson went 3-for-3 on the day with a double.

A leadoff bunt single by Fauth in the third, who stole second, and a single by Gemuenden, who also stole second, put a pair in scoring position for Calli Maki. Maki did her job at the plate with her seventh double of the season bringing in both runners.

Simacek was on her usual game allowing her only hit in the third. BU added an insurance run in the fourth when pinch-runner Izzy Wilhelm scored on a double steal with Fauth.

Up Next
The Royals have a quick turnaround facing MIAC-leading St. Olaf tomorrow in Northfield. First pitch is at 1 p.m. In accordance with St. Olaf's spectator policy, no visiting spectators will be allowed.