ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – For the first time since 2015 the Bethel University softball team makes an appearance in the MIAC Playoffs earning the No. 2 seed in the six-team playoff. The Royals are making their sixth overall appearance and are in search of their first tournament title. BU is 7-10 all-time.

Bethel received an opening round bye and placed right into the double-elimination four-team bracket that kicks off Friday afternoon. The Royals take on fourth-seeded St. Thomas at 5 p.m. Earlier this season the two teams split the MIAC series in Arden Hills, both earning their wins with shutouts.

2021 MIAC SOFTBALL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
 
Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Site: High-Seed
Game 1: No. 4 St. Thomas 5, No. 5 St. Catherine 1 | Box Score | Recap |
Game 2: No. 6 Concordia 2, No. 3 Saint Benedict 0 | Box Score | Recap |
 
Friday, May 14, 2021 | Site: St. Olaf College
Game 3: No. 6 Concordia vs. No. 1 St. Olaf | 2:30 p.m. | Video | Live Stats |
Game 4: No. 4 St. Thomas vs. No. 2 Bethel | 5:00 p.m. | Video | Live Stats |
 
Saturday, May 15, 2021 | Site: St. Olaf College
Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 | 11:00 a.m. | Video | Live Stats |
Game 6: Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 | 1:30 p.m. | Video | Live Stats |
Game 7: Loser Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6 | 4:00 p.m. | Video | Live Stats |
 
Sunday, May 16, 2021 | Site: St. Olaf College
Game 8: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 7 | 11:00 a.m. | Video | Live Stats |
Game 9: Winner Game 8 vs. Loser Game 8 (if necessary) | 1:30 p.m. | Video | Live Stats |
 
SPECTATOR INFO
• Fans are permitted, with no limitations on the total number, and no charge for admittance.
• Fans should follow host institution instructions for contest viewing location.
• Masks and physical distancing are recommended.
• Fans should do a self "health check" prior to arrival to ensure they do not have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Fans are to remain 12 feet away from student-athletes at all times (before, during, and after contests).
• Fans should arrive no more than 30 minutes prior to their team's game and should depart within 30 minutes of the conclusion of their team's game.
• Fans should limit themselves to the competition venue only and are not to go anywhere else on campus.
• No dogs allowed on campus (except for registered service dogs).

BETHEL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT NOTES
 
TAYLORMADE PLAYS ON DEFENSE
The Royals have a minimal 14 errors this season as their .983 fielding percentage ranks second in Division III and atop of the MIAC. BU is on pace to shatter the program's previous single-season record of .960.

STEALTHY ON THE BASE PATHS
Bethel has swiped the 13th most bags in the nation with a MIAC-leading and program record 82 stolen bases (82-94). Allie Fauth shattered the individual single-season record now 31-for-32 on the year while Lexi DeBace has swiped 13 herself.

STRIKE 'EM OUT SIMACEK
Kayla Simacek is making her mark on the MIAC as BU's top are in the circle. Simacek has recorded a program-record 200 strikeouts this year which ranks fifth nationally and third in the MIAC. Her 17 complete games lead the league and rank ninth nationally while she posts a 15-4 record with a 1.32 ERA. Simacek has tossed three perfect games this season. 

A PARTY AT HOME PLATE
Bethel has three of the top six run producers in the MIAC in Amanda Gemuenden, Jamie Axelberg and Kayla Hokanson. Gemuenden is third in the league with 34 while Axelberg is just behind her with 33 and Hokanson with 26.