Mankato, Minn. – It was an exciting day of softball at the BLC field with the Vikings taking the Martin Luther Knights in both games of a doubleheader. The first game, which counted at a UMAC contest was won 7-6, the second game was just as close with a final score of 6-5.

Kyla Schapekahm (New Prague, Minn./New Prague) got the win for the Vikings in the first game. She pitched a full seven innings allowing ten hits. Of the six runs the Knights scored only two were earned. Schapekahm struck out four of the 35 batters faced without allowing a walk.

The Vikings were down by one until the sixth inning when Jonnica Norell (St. Peter, Minn./St. Peter) singled to get on base. Gena Chester (Mankato, Minn. / Mankato West) followed with a home run down the left field line to bat in two and give BLC the lead. The Vikings were able to shut down Martin Luther in the seventh to get the win.

Chester had two hits and two runs in the first game. Ashley Jensen (Delano, Minn./West Lutheran) had a solid game going three for three with two runs and two RBI.

Jensen stayed consistent getting two hits in the second game. She had two RBI, both coming from her walk off homer in the bottom of the seventh to win the game. Norell recorded three hits and two runs, while Kelsey Pekarna (Jordan, Minn./Jordan) had two hits, one run and two RBI. Emily Rauchman (Mankato, Minn./Mankato West) also had two hits, and one RBI.  

Amanda Edmison (Mayer, Minn./Watertown-Mayer) pitched for the Vikings. In her five innings on the mound she allowed eight hits and three runs while recording five strikeouts. Schapekahm came in for the last two innings allowing thee hits and two runs.

Bethany Lutheran will play again tomorrow in Northfield tomorrow. The doubleheader versus Carleton is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.