MANKATO, Minn. – The Bethany Lutheran softball team trailed by a run after three innings Friday night but responded with a run in the fourth and two more in both the fifth and sixth innings to claim a 6-2 victory. With the win, the Vikings improve to 22-11 overall and 12-1 in the UMAC, while the Cougars fall to 12-21 overall and 5-8 in conference play.

Hear from the Vikings
Here's what head coach Angela Dabu had to say about the game.

"Good start to the weekend. Excited for 2 more games tomorrow and to recognize our seniors and their dedication to the program!"

Inside the Box Score

Emily Meyer got the start in the circle for Bethany and held the Cougars at bay through the first two innings, but the Vikings couldn't get anything going offensively either, as the game remained scoreless early on.

Morris broke the ice in the top of the third inning, using three hits—including two for extra bases—to plate the game's first two runs.

The Vikings responded in the bottom half, as Orla Keys led off the inning with a double and later came around to score thanks to an Emily Nelson bunt single that, aided by a Cougar error, allowed the run to cross.

After a scoreless top of the fourth, two quick outs in the bottom half nearly ended the Vikings' threat. However, Carly Nelson ripped a two-out double to keep the inning alive, and an RBI single from Jolyne LeClair tied the game at two.

Bethany added two more runs in the fifth, as Emily Nelson was hit by a pitch and Bryn Weidner singled. Both came around to score on a Meyer double to the left-field corner, making it 4-2.

Following a 1-2-3 inning from Meyer in the circle in the sixth, Bethany tacked on two more in the bottom half. Carly Nelson singled and came around to score on a Keys triple. Emily Nelson then hit a sac fly to left field, moving the score to 6-2 after six innings.

In the top of the seventh, Morris managed two singles, but Meyer struck out three to secure the win.

Weidner, Carly Nelson, and Keys all had two hits apiece to lead the Bethany offense, with Keys also scoring a pair of runs. 

Meyer claimed the win in the circle, allowing two earned runs and striking out 10 batters to secure the victory.

The Vikings and Cougars will meet again tomorrow for a doubleheader with game one beginning at 1 p.m.