The St. Olaf softball team took on Bethel University on April 11 in a doubleheader on Mabel Shirley Field. The Oles got off to a flying start capturing the first game 3-2, but they were unable to keep the momentum as the Royals cruised to a 10-1 victory in game two.
The Oles began the game in spectacular fashion, scoring twice in the first inning. The Royals responded with a game-tying run in the fourth inning, leaving the game in a delicate balance. The battle was poised evenly right through until the seventh inning. Jessica Bentley ’18 starred for St. Olaf, hitting an RBI double with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, which allowed Becca Walz ’16 to score. Danielle Collins ’15 pitched all seven innings for the Oles, recording one strike-out along the way.
Despite claiming victory in game one, St. Olaf was unable to stop a Bethel onslaught in game two, as the Royals raced to a comprehensive 10-1 win.
The Oles were led by Afton Wolter ’16 , who batted in Alex Lopez ’18 in the second inning to put the Oles on the board. Nothing could stop the Royals though, as they out-hit the Oles 14-5 on their way to victory.
The Oles also competed in doubleheaders on April 12 and April 14, against Gustavus Adolphus College and Augsburg College respectively. Despite falling 0-5 and 1-5 to the Gusties, the Oles bounced back to record resounding 7-3 and 6-4 wins over the Auggies. St. Olaf currently sits at 11-21 overall, with a 6-8 conference record, good enough for eighth position in the MIAC. St. Olaf, who has several games in the coming week, will play at home for the last time on April 22 against University of St. Thomas.
Photo Credit: ABBY DAVIS/MANITOU MESSENGER
