AUSTIN, Minn. – The Bethany softball team (10-14, 5-3) defeated the MLC Knights (3-11, 2-4) in two UMAC games on Thursday. The Vikings handled the Knights easily in game one, winning 9-0 in five innings, and then followed up with a 4-3 win in game two.
 
Anna Pipenhagen doubled to right field in the first inning, bringing Kaylee Mork home for the first run of the game. Mork leads the Vikings in runs scored with 19 on the year. The Vikings added another run in the second inning and then had a huge fourth inning, scoring seven runs. The Vikings were methodical in their outburst, using a mixture of walks, hits, and stolen bases to drive up the score. Kendra Porath was 3 for 3 with a double, a stolen base, and one run scored. Sarah Presler was 2 for 3 with one run and one RBI. Presler is batting .421 on the season. Pipenhagen pitched the complete game shutout for the Vikings, giving up only two hits while striking out eight.
 
The Vikings had to come from behind to win game two as the Knights grabbed a 3-0 lead in the third inning. Heading into the final inning, still down 3-0, the Vikings rallied to win the game by a score of 4-3. Julia Pfeiffer collected a base hit which scored Taylor Kottke and Morgan Mashlan. Kendra Porath tied the game for the Vikings when she crossed home after a fielder's choice and throwing error. Sarah Presler brought home the game winning run with a bunt, scoring Sydney Kappel. Presler was 2 for 4 in the game with 1 RBI. Morgan Mashlan was 1 for 3 with a double and one run. Julia Pfeiffer finished 1 for 1 with 2 RBIs. Pipenhagen picked up her second win of the day in game two, giving up three runs, five hits, while striking out nine.
 
UP NEXT: The Vikings have a double-header against Northland College on Sunday, April 22. The games will be played at the University of Northwestern with start times of 1 and 3 PM.
 
###
 
MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dan DeWitt at 507-344-7856 or email ddewitt@blc.edu