Softball team survives California with 3-4 record

The softball team spent their Spring Break in the sunny state of California, where they saw plenty of top ranked competitive action. Overall, No. 12 ranked Bethel accumulated a record of 3-4. Due to the strength of play, the talented Lady Pilots were only able to sweep one team while playing out of state. The first game of the season began against No. 8 ranked Concordia University, where they dropped a disappointing 8-0 decision. The only two Bethel hits of the game were achieved by Holly Weaver and Natalie Newell. Giana Zimmerman took the loss after going three innings and giving up five runs. Unfortunately game two of opening day was called on account of rain. Two days later the team split with a very skilled No. 11 ranked Azusa Pacific ball club. The Lady Pilots won the first contest 6-0 and were led by Katrina Klingberg who went 3-4 as well as scored two runs. Natalie Newell took the commanding win as she went seven innings and gave up just five hits and zero runs. Bethel fell in the second game of the double header 2-6. Kendra Zache took the loss after giving up six runs in over three innings pitched.

The following day marked the Lady Pilots first sweep of the season as they defeated Biola University 2-1 and 6-4. Newell dominated the mound, claiming the first win as a starter and gathering the second one in relief. Kendra Zache chipped in with five innings, giving up just four runs. Danielle Reilly and Brookelyn Smith each chipped in two hits in the second game. However, Bethel would be forced to leave California with a sour taste in their mouth after being swept by unranked Vanguard University. The first game was decided by a 4-3 eight inning decision as Newell took the loss. In addition, Zache took a tough loss in the second game as Bethel fell 5-2. Melissa Gunderson led the Lady Pilots at the plate in the first game as she went 2-3. In addition, Reilly, Newell and Jenny Hendrick each chipped in two hits in the second defeat of the day. Reilly hit her second homerun of the trip in the final game against Vanguard.