DUNDAS, MN – The Bethany Lutheran Vikings softball team opened their 2019 campaign today with a pair of games against St. Olaf College in the Dundas Dome. The Vikings showed up ready to play and picked up an opening weekend sweep, winning 2-0 and 6-5.
 
The Vikings had their work cut out for them as they took on opposing pitcher Julie Graf and the Ole squad. Graf was an NFCA All-Midwest Region Second Team and All-MIAC honoree last season and was an NFCA All-American during her first season.
 
In game one, Bria Majeski started on the mound for the Vikings and threw a gem in her first career game as a Viking. Majeski is a junior and transferred from Minnesota State. She threw a complete game shutout, giving up just two hits while recording five strikeouts and getting great help from her defense.
 
The Oles were also tough defensively and held the Vikings scoreless for four innings. In the top of the fifth, Jasmine Bejarana reached on a walk and then advanced to second. Morgan Mashlan came in to pinch run and was driven home with a single up the middle from Kaylee Mork. Mork stole second and then scored on a triple by Sarah Presler. The rally in the fifth proved to be enough as the Vikings won their opening game 2-0.
 
The Vikings recorded five hits in their opening game. Sarah Presler led the way with two hits, including a triple and a double, and one RBI. Kaylee Mork had one hit, one run, and one RBI. Eden Ambrose and Anna Hoffman recorded the other two hits for the Vikings.
 
The Vikings fell down 1-0 early in game two, but bounced back to tie the score in the second inning. The Oles gained separation again and held a 4-1 lead through six innings, but the Vikings were ready to rally. BLC put together a five-run seventh inning which included a two RBI single from Sarah Presler and a two RBI single from Zoe Kinakin during the rally. The fifth-inning burst sealed the game for the Vikings as they won 6-5.
 
The Vikings finished game two with seven hits. Kinakin recorded two hits and two RBIs. Courtney Williams and Bria Majeski also each recorded one hit.
 
Freshman Shelby Bloemendaal got her first career start and pitched seven innings for the win. She gave up 10 hits and struck out two.
 
Up next: The Vikings have a double-header on Saturday, February 23rd against Carleton College beginning at 7 PM. The games will be played at the Dundas Dome.
 
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MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dan DeWitt at 507-344-7856 or email ddewitt@blc.edu