ST. PAUL, Minn. – Bethel University's softball season came to a close Thursday afternoon as the Royals fell to Macalester, 10-2 in five innings, in the MIAC Quarterfinals.
 
After falling behind 2-0 in the first, Bethel responded in the third with a quick burst of offense. Olivia Weinberg led off with a single and advanced to third on a bunt. Another single from Abby Otterness, who later swiped second put a pair in scoring position.
 
Autumn Earney delivered a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Weinberg, before Mikaela Girard followed with a sharp single up the middle to bring in Otterness and tie the game at 2-2.
 
Otterness led the way for Bethel, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a stolen base. Weinberg and Earney each added a hit and a run scored, while Girard notched her 14th RBI of the season.
 
The Royals' momentum was short-lived, however, as No. 4-seeded Macalester (27-14) responded with three runs in the bottom of the third, including a three-run single. The Scots added three more in the fourth and capped the game with two in the fifth to invoke the run rule.
 
Dominique Walicke (14-8) took the loss in the circle, allowing eight runs (seven earned) over 3.2 innings. Brianna Tix tossed the final frame.
 
Bethel it's the 2025 season with a 19-21 overall record.
 
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