New Ulm, Minn. - The Viking softball team made up their postponed games with Martin Luther, coming back home with one win and one loss. Bethany stands at 14-16 overall and 9-7 conference.
Junior Amanda Edmison (Mayer, Minn./Watertown-Mayer) took the mound for the opener, bringing her win-loss record to 7-3 on the season. She pitched the first three innings, allowing Martin Luther to score three runs. In the fourth inning, sophomore Emily Rauchman (Mankato, Minn./Mankato West) took over, Edmison moved to left field.
Bethany bounced back in the top of the fifth, when Kelsey Pekarna (Jordan, Minn./Jordan) scored on a triple by outfielder Gena Chester (Mankato, Minn./Mankato West). Chester then scored after freshman Kyla Schapekahm (New Prague, Minn./New Prague) reached on a pitcher’s error. Martin Luther managed three more runs in the bottom of the inning. Edmison scored again in the sixth to wrap-up the game at 6-3.
Schapekahm was the starting pitcher for the second game. She pitched 3 2/3 innings before Rauchman took over again.
The Vikings started the game off right, with shortstop Ashley Jensen (Delano, Minn./West Lutheran) batting a double to bring junior Jonnica Norell (St. Peter, Minn./St. Peter) home. The game saw three double plays, one by Martin Luther in the second inning, and two by Bethany.
In the bottom of the third, center fielder Chester herded one to catcher Pekarna to get the out at home. in the final inning, Rauchman tossed one to first baseman Kourtney Petersen (Waseca, Minn./Waseca), trapping the batter out at first. Chester and Rauchman both homered in the fifth inning. The Vikings closed off at winning 7-6.
The next game for the Vikings is Thursday the 28th at 5 p.m. It will be a home game against Northland.
