ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Five unanswered runs by the Bethel University softball team game them the opener, 5-4 in 10 innings, of a Friday afternoon twin bill with regionally ranked Central (Iowa).

The Dutch took the nightcap 4-1 thanks to a three-run third.

Lexi DeBace led the charge at the plate going 6-for-9 in the two spot of the lineup. Kayla Hokanson went 4-for-8 with two RBIs.

Game 1: Bethel 5, Central 4 // 10 innings
The Royals took full advantage of a leadoff walk in the 10th to Katie Stewart. A sacrifice bunt, an intentional walk to Amanda Gemuenden and a bunt single by Lexi DeBace loaded the bases.

The Dutch smartly got the out at home on a groundball from Jamie Axelberg for the second out of the inning leaving it all up to Kayla Hoakanson. On the ninth pitch of the at bat, Hokanson sent a rocket to center driving in the game-winning run.

Central tallied four of its seven hits in the third putting up a four spot on starter Kayla Simacek.

A solo shot from Katie Stewart and a RBI single from DeBace pulled BU within two. Another big fifth for the Royals saw their lone run produced by an infield single by Gemuenden.

DeBace scored Bethel's tying run in the seventh as pinch-hitter Angela Dabu sent the first pitch she saw deep enough to center for DeBace to cross the plate easily.

Simacek was lights out after overcoming the third. She struck out 13 giving up three hits outside of the third while improving to 15-4 in the complete game effort.

Game 2: Central 4, Bethel 1
There was something special about the third inning for the Dutch, who in game two put up three runs in the frame. All of which were unearned. Again Bethel responded with Kayla Hokanson roping a single up the middle making it 3-1.

The Dutch added a run in the fifth as the Royals stranded a runner in scoring position in the fifth and sixth before going three up, three down in the seventh.

In a complete game effort, Rylie Perkins allowed one earned run while striking out two.

Up Next
Bethel (26-8) turns its attention to the MIAC Playoffs where they will be a No. 2 seed making their first appearance since 2015. The Royals receive the opening round bye putting them into the double elimination bracket where they open up on Friday, May 14 at 5 p.m.

No. 1 seeded St. Olaf will serve as hosts. The tournament homepage with schedule of events and streaming info can be found by clicking here.