MANKATO, Minn. – The Bethany Lutheran softball team had dominant performances from Emily Meyer and Addie Ahern to defeat North Central 9–0 on Friday.

Emily Meyer delivered one of her strongest outings of the season, tossing a one-hitter while striking out 12. Meyer controlled the tempo from the start, retiring the side in order in multiple innings and allowing just a single in the third as the lone hit of the contest.

The Vikings gave Meyer early support in the first inning. Olivia Sanborn reached on a bunt single, stole second and third, and came around to score on an error. Later in the inning, Addie Ahern singled home a run to make it 2–0.

Bethany added to its lead in the third inning. After Carly Nelson reached and moved into scoring position, Ahern delivered again with an RBI triple to extend the advantage to 3–0. The Vikings added another run in the inning on a defensive miscue to push the lead to 4–0.

In the fourth, Sanborn came around to score on a sacrifice fly from Bryn Weidner, while another unearned run extended the lead to 6–0.

The Vikings capped the scoring in the sixth inning with a big swing from Ahern, who launched a three-run home run to center field, scoring Sanborn and Emily Doyle to bring the final to 9–0.

Ahern turned in a standout performance at the plate, recording a triple and a home run while driving in five RBIs to lead the Vikings' offense.

Behind Meyer's one-hit, 12-strikeout shutout and Ahern's power surge, Bethany controlled the game from start to finish.

The Vikings will finish up the three game series tomorrow, 4/25, with a doubleheader against the Rams starting at 1 pm.