Pella, Iowa. – An early error that allowed two runs to score was the difference as the No. 22nd-ranked Bethel University softball team fell to No. 15th-ranked Wisconsin-Whitewater, 2-0 in the opening round of NCAA Division III Pella Regional.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Warhawks got their first two hitters aboard before moving them both into scoring position.
Kayla Simacek got her first strikeout of the game for the second out of the inning before an error over at second by the Royals allowed both runners to score.
• Bethel left a runner on in the second, third and fourth while Simacek held strong in the circle with six strikeouts in that time frame.
• The Royals loaded the bases to start the fifth with three straight singles. Whitewater went to the bullpen and forced BU to strand them loaded after a strikeout, shallow flyout to center and a fielder's choice play to end the threat.
• Despite the loss Simacek finished with 11 strikeouts and issued two walks.
UP NEXT
The Royals drop into the loser's bracket and take on Wisconsin-Superior Friday at 1:30 p.m. in an elimination game. A win puts the Royals in another elimination game immediately following.
