Box Score Pella, Iowa - The Bethany softball team knew they were facing stiff competition in the NCAA Division III Pella, Iowa regional. After a 9-1 loss to St. Thomas on Thursday, their season ended Friday with an 11-0 defeat to Coe College.

Sure the loss is disappointing, but the Vikings have a lot to be proud of. No Bethany team, in any sport, ever reached a national tournament. Now this team has the experience of playing at this level and it will definitely be helpful in the future.

The Coe Kohawks put crooked numbers on the scoreboard in each of the first three innings.

Gena Chester had two of the four hits on Friday with Ashley Jensen and Shannon Heitz picking up the others.

The greatest softball season in school history ends with a 23-20 record, their first winning season since going to Division III.

Four players hit over .370 with Nicole Starkson leading the team at .384. Both Jensen and Chester finished at .376 and Kelsey Pekarna hit .372. All four players earned UMAC All-Conference recognition.

On the mound, Starkson led the conference in ERA (2.05) and was second in strikeouts (152). Heitz wasn't too bad either earning UMAC Pitcher of the Week honors following her no-hitter against Martin Luther in early April.

The team will lose two key players next year in seniors Jensen and Pekarna, but rest assured, the future of the softball program looks bright.