MANKATO, Minn. – Addie Ahern blasted two homeruns on Saturday as Bethany Lutheran softball team swept North Central University, winning 5–0 in game one and 8–0 in game two.
Game 1 – Bethany Lutheran 5, North Central 0
The Vikings broke through in the second inning as Addie Ahern provided the early spark, launching a two-run home run to left field to give Bethany a 2–0 lead.
Bethany added to its advantage in the third inning. After Olivia Sanborn reached and moved into scoring position, Carly Nelson drove in a run on an error before Aliya Edbom-Kehler followed with an RBI single. A sacrifice fly from Avery Carlson capped the inning and pushed the lead to 5–0.
That would be more than enough for Emily Meyer (W, 18-5), who delivered a strong performance in the circle to earn the shutout victory. Meyer kept North Central off balance throughout, limiting baserunners and controlling the tempo from start to finish.
Ahern's home run highlighted the offensive effort, as the Vikings capitalized on key opportunities early to take control.
Game 2 – Bethany Lutheran 8, North Central 0
Bethany carried that momentum into game two, jumping out quickly with a five-run first inning. Bryn Weidner started the scoring with an RBI triple before Carly Nelson added a two-RBI single. Aliya Edbom-Kehler and Emily Meyer each drove in runs to extend the lead to 5–0.
The Vikings added another run in the fourth on a sacrifice fly from Sanborn, stretching the advantage to 6–0.
Bethany put the game away in the fifth inning, and once again it was Ahern delivering the big swing. She launched her second home run of the day, a two-run shot to score Edbom-Kehler and bring the final to 8–0. Ahern had a whale of a series against NCU, going 5-for-9 with 3 HR, a triple, 9 RBIs, and scoring 4 runs.
Joie Koll (W, 9-2) earned the win in the circle, helping hold North Central scoreless while limiting opportunities throughout the game.
Bethany's offense produced consistently across both games, while Ahern's power surge—homering in each contest—provided the key highlight of the doubleheader.
The Vikings enter the final week of regular season play with their series finale with MLC on Tuesday, 4/28, at 5 pm.
