NEW ULM, Minn. – Bethany Lutheran finished its series against Martin Luther with a strong all-around performance Tuesday, using timely hitting and another sharp outing in the circle to secure an 8–1 victory.
The Vikings wasted little time setting the tone in the top of the first. Olivia Sanborn singled and immediately created pressure on the base paths, stealing second before Emily Doyle drove her home with an RBI double. Moments later, Carly Nelson followed with an RBI single to score Doyle and give Bethany an early 2–0 lead.
While the offense struck first, Emily Meyer controlled the game in the circle. Meyer kept Martin Luther off balance throughout her four shutout innings, allowing little room for offensive momentum while helping Bethany maintain control.
The Vikings broke things open in the fourth inning. After an error and walk set the table, Paige Haala delivered the biggest swing of the frame with a two-RBI triple to center, scoring Addie Ahern and Emily Nelson. Sanborn then added an RBI to extend the lead to 5–0.
Bethany added two more in the fifth when Aliya Edbom-Kehler lined a two-RBI single to center, bringing home Emily Doyle and Tori Teigen for a commanding 7–0 advantage.
Martin Luther scratched across its lone run in the bottom of the fifth, but the Vikings answered right back in the sixth. Hayven Linn walked, stole second, moved to third, and scored on Bryn Weidner's RBI triple to left, pushing the final margin to 8–1.
Bethany's offense was fueled by production throughout the lineup. Doyle reached base multiple times and drove in the opening run, Sanborn continued to ignite the offense from the leadoff spot, while Haala's triple and Edbom-Kehler's two-run single provided the key insurance.
Joie Koll and Becca Kuck combined in relief to help close out the win as Bethany secured another strong UMAC result.
THe Vikings travel to Saint Paul this Friday to start their last series of the regular season against Northwestern. The winner of this series will determine seeding for the UMAC Conference playoffs. Game one is set for Friday at 4 pm.
