MOUNT BERRY, Ga. – The Bethel University softball team saw its historic 37-7 season end in the Super Regionals following a 3-1 loss to Berry College. The 2022 squad rewrote the record books with program single-season records in wins, conference wins, runs, stolen bases and ERA as well as their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.
 
The Royals fell behind early after a two-run home run for Berry cleared the left-center fence.
 
BU got one back in the third as Jamie Axelberg cleared the left-field fence making good contact with a 1-1 pitch.
 
Berry started the third with an infield bunt single before moving her over into scoring position on a ground out. An errant throw to try and back pick the runner went into center allowing the runner to move up to third. A fly ball to right a few pitches later was deep enough to score the unearned run.
 
Bethel had one last chance as a one-out walk to Cortney Hokanson in the seventh brought the tying run to the plate. A foul out and a strikeout thought sealed it for the hosts Berry ending BU's historic run.
 
Simacek in the circle struck out six while giving up five hits and no walks. In a remarkable accomplishment in 268.1 winnings of work she only threw three wild pitches while her battery partner Cortney Hokanson didn't allow a single passed ball.
 
Simacek's 1.04 ERA and 349 strikeouts are single-season records for BU. Another individual single-season record accomplishments include Allie Fauth's 42 stolen bases and Lexi DeBace's .485. batting average.
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