SUPERIOR, Wis. – Kaija Mork hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning, and Emily Meyer tossed a five-hit shutout on Friday afternoon as the Bethany Lutheran softball team defeated UW-Superior 2-0. With the win, the Vikings improve to 24-12 overall and 14-2 in the UMAC, while the Yellowjackets fall to 29-9 overall and 14-2 in the conference.

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

Dabu: "Good team win today. Superior's a solid team and we're looking forward to getting to compete again tomorrow."

Inside the Box Score

Each team recorded a single in the first inning but couldn't bring a run across. Meyer then worked around another base hit in the second to keep the game scoreless heading into the third.

Bethany got its first runner into scoring position in the third when Emily Nelson singled and advanced on a groundout but they couldn't capitalize. Meyer again pitched around a base hit in the bottom half to maintain the 0-0 score.

After a quick fourth inning from both teams, Nelson had another strong at-bat in the fifth, doubling with two outs to put herself in scoring position. A foulout ended the threat, however, and the game remained scoreless. Meyer stranded yet another runner in the bottom of the fifth, working around a one-out single.

Bethany finally broke through in the top of the sixth. Emily Doyle singled with one away to put a runner on for Mork. The senior stepped up in a big moment, launching an 0-1 pitch over the left-field fence to give the Vikings a 2-0 lead with just six outs left to get.

Meyer worked around a baserunner in both the sixth and seventh innings, picking up three strikeouts over the final two frames to secure the shutout win.

Avery Carlson and Nelson each led Bethany with a pair of hits at the plate, while Meyer struck out nine and allowed just five hits for the win in the circle. 

The two teams will meet again tomorrow with plenty at stake. The Vikings need just one win to clinch the No. 1 seed and hosting rights for the upcoming UMAC Tournament, while the Yellowjackets can earn the top seed with a pair of wins.