Mankato, MN - MLC softball lost both games of its Tuesday doubleheader at conference rival, Bethany. The Knights fell 14-3 in the first game and then 7-2 in game two.

Bethany 14, MLC 3

The Vikings opened the first game with some power at the plate, especially after a two-run homerun from Alyssa Stockman in the first inning. Bethany would continue their slugging with four more runs in the second inning to make it 7-0. 

MLC would struggle to get much of an offensive rhythm in the batter's box as the Vikings pitcher, Kayla Senne, struck out seven MLC hitters in her four innings pitched. Along with that, the Knights were only able to get one hit off the right hander.

As the offense continued to struggle for MLC, so did the pitching, as Bethany would tack on another seven runs which were fueled by a three-run shot in the bottom of the fourth from Ana Christofferson.

The Knights broke into the scoring column in the top of the fifth inning off the Vikings when Lexi Fischer doubled into centerfield driving in Hannah Ott.

Despite the loss, Lisa Hoffer displayed her defensive versatility out at the short stop position, making multiple impressive plays to prevent any further runs from scoring.

Bethany 7, MLC 2

The MLC bats got off to a much quicker start in game two of the doubleheader to Bethany, with Hoffer ripping a double into right field to give the Knights a 1-0 lead. From there, the Vikings tied the game up 1-1 after Christofferson had a double of her own. 

Bethany would then take the lead over MLC in the bottom of the second inning and took advantage of a fielding miscue. The Vikings would go on to benefit from their small ball approach, scoring off of a sacrifice fly, a bunt single, and a stolen base. The rally gave Bethany the 4-1 lead through two innings of play and their aggressive base running led to another two runs, making it 6-1 at the end of the five frames.

Anna Busch put another run on the scoreboard for MLC, after she walked at the plate in the top of the sixth inning.

Jessica Horn tossed six innings for the Knights, allowing 7 runs (4 unearned) on 12 hits. 

MLC (5-17, 2-8) now shift their focus to a weekend doubleheader at home against Northland on Saturday. The Knights will look to remain in contention for the fourth spot in the UMAC standings with a pair of wins.

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