PELLA, Iowa – The Bethany Lutheran softball team split a non-conference doubleheader against No. 21-ranked Central College on the road, a dominant game one performance by Emily Meyer that secured a statement victory for the Vikings.
Game 1 – Bethany Lutheran 3, No. 21 Central College 0
The Vikings delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season in the opener, knocking off No. 21-ranked Central College, 3–0, behind a dominant outing in the circle from Emily Meyer. Meyer was sensational from start to finish, tossing a complete-game shutout while allowing just one hit against a nationally-ranked lineup. The junior controlled the game with confidence and efficiency, never allowing Central to find a rhythm offensively. With Meyer in command, Bethany provided offensive support to break the game open.
The Vikings struck first in the fourth inning, as Addie Ahern scored on an RBI single from Bryn Weidner to give Bethany a 1–0 lead. Bethany added to its advantage in the fifth by being aggressive on the base path, as Alexis Dahlberg stole home to extend the lead to 2–0. Later in the inning, the Vikings loaded the bases and Paige Haala drew an RBI walk, bringing home Avery Carlson to make it 3–0.
That would be more than enough for Meyer, who continued to dominate down the stretch to secure the statement win.
Game 2 – No. 21 Central College 9, Bethany Lutheran 1
Central College responded in the nightcap, using early offense and a late surge to earn a 9–1 win and split the doubleheader. The Dutch struck first in the opening inning, plating two runs on an RBI double followed by a run-scoring ground out to take an early 2–0 lead. Central added three more runs in the second inning, capitalizing on aggressive base running and a Bethany error to extend the advantage to 5–0.
The Vikings threatened in the fourth with back-to-back hits from Bryn Weidner and Emily Doyle, but were unable to push a run across. Bethany broke through in the fifth inning when Olivia Sanborn delivered an RBI double to score Paige Haala, cutting the deficit to 5–1.
Central responded in the sixth inning, using a combination of hits and Viking miscues to plate four runs and extend the lead to 9–1, putting the game out of reach.
Bethany's game one victory over No. 21 Central stands as a marquee win, powered by elite pitching from Meyer, aggressive base running, and timely hitting as the Vikings continue to build momentum. The Vikings head back down to Iowa on Wednesday as they take on Luther College in a double header starting at 2:30 pm.
