Box Score BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bethany Lutheran softball team's historic NCAA Tournament run came to an end Saturday with a 5-3 loss to No. 20 Illinois Wesleyan. With the defeat, the Vikings close out their season with a 30-15 overall record, while IWU advances to the NCAA Super Regional.

Postgame Press Conference

Emily Doyle got things started early with a two-out double in the top of the first, but a popout ended the inning and the early threat. The Titans responded in the bottom half, capitalizing with a two-out two-run home run to take a 2-0 lead.

After a scoreless second, the Vikings got on the board in the third. Bryn Weidner drew a walk, stole second, and came around to score on Doyle's second hit of the day.

IWU quickly answered in the bottom half, using a Bethany error and a one-out sacrifice fly to restore their two-run lead at 3-1.

Following a few scoreless innings, the Titans struck again in the fifth. Two singles and a sacrifice bunt put runners in scoring position before a single to left field brought both home, extending the lead to 5-1 heading into the sixth.

Bethany responded right away. Doyle doubled to right, and Emily Meyer launched her third home run of the weekend to cut the deficit to 5-3.

Meyer returned to the circle for a quick bottom of the sixth, giving the Vikings one last chance in the seventh. However, they went down in order, and Illinois Wesleyan secured the Regional Championship.

Doyle had a stellar day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Meyer added the other two RBIs.

In the circle, Meyer allowed four earned runs over six innings, striking out four while giving up seven hits.

Doyle, Meyer, and Kaija Mork were all named to the NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team.