ARDEN HILLS, MINN.—The Bethel University softball team faced St. Olaf (DH) at the Ona Orth Complex on Saturday. The Royals dropped a 5-4 decision in game one before they picked up a 12-4 (5 Innings) victory in game two.
Bethel improves to 8-16, 3-3 MIAC, while the Oles fall to 9-11, 2-2 MIAC.
St. Olaf 5, Bethel 4 (Game One)
A 3-0 lead was had by the Royals through three innings before the Oles registered five runs over the next three innings, which resulted in their 5-3 advantage through six frames. Mandalyn Franks' seventh-inning RBI double that scored Molly Closser, who also doubled, narrowed Bethel's deficit to 5-4.
The Royals accumulated seven hits compared to the Oles' eight. Closser finished 2-for-3 with a double for Bethel, while Abby Otterness's solo home run in the third inning highlighted her 1-for-4 performance. Going 1-for-2 with one double, one walk, and one run scored was Sidney Bartels, while Franks finished 1-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Royals pitcher Dominque Walicke went the distance. She gave up eight hits, five runs, two walks, and notched three strikeouts. Oles pitcher Roxanne Ring surrendered seven hits, four runs (three earned), two walks, and notched seven strikeouts in the complete-game win.
Bethel 12, St. Olaf 4 (Game Two)
Royals pitcher Brianna Tix surrendered seven hits, four runs, four walks and notched five strikeouts in a complete-game victory.
Bethel accumulated 13 hits across eight players. Abby Otterness, who finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI, hit her second home run of the day in the first inning. A 3-for-4 performance with two runs scored, one stolen base, and three RBI was in store for Camryn Thurow. Molly Closser was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while Lucie Voigt was also 2-for-3 with one run scored and one RBI.
Hannah Yaeger led St. Olaf with a 2-for-3 outing that included a double.
The Royals will return to action tomorrow, Sunday, April 12 against St. Catherine (DH) at the Ona Orth Complex at 1 p.m.
