Wichita, Kan. – The Bethany College Swedes Softball team took part in a shortened Friends Invitational weekend. The event was supposed to take place over two days, Friday and Saturday, but due to surrounding storms and poor weather, the event was cut down to just Saturday, March 7, as the Swedes played a doubleheader against the Midland University Warriors and the Concordia University Bulldogs.
GAME 1: SWEDES 1, WARRIORS 10
The Swedes started off the day with a rematch against the Midland University Warriors. These two teams played against each other just eight days ago, so there was some familiarity between the two. The Warriors jumped on the board early and often, building a 10-0 lead at the end of the top of the fifth. Ulissa Rivas got the Swedes on the board sending one over the left field fence, but that was all the noise the Swedes would make in this one falling 10-1.
Rivas had a solid outing on offense going two-for-three with a homerun. Avery Newmiller was perfect at the plate with a double and a single.
Paris Hammer started it off in the circle for the Swedes going 3.0 innings while striking out two. MacKenzie Yoder and Amia Alexander-Sims teamed up for the final 2.0 innings.
GAME 2: SWEDES 2, BULLDOGS 5
The Swedes would jump to a 1-0 lead in the third inning via an Avery Newmiller single to left field scoring Ulissa Rivas. The Bulldogs would answer back in the fifth and sixth innings to build a 5-1 lead leaving the Swedes just one inning to cover the deficit.
Ashaya Steele led off the inning being hit by a pitch. Emmaline Senecaut would pinch run for Steele at first base. Kyson Vap would slap a grounder to first base, but would advance Senecaut to second base. Rivas would then send one to right-center scoring Senecaut from second. Kalee Aguilar would draw a four-pitch walk to put runners on first and second, and setting up Avery Newmiller for a chance at glory with just one out. Unfortunately, Newmiller would get a little under the ball resulting in a pop-up. Camille Stauffer stepped up next, but would ground out to third to end the game and the Swedes would fall 5-2.
Rivas led the way going three-for-four at the plate with one RBI and one run scored. Skylar Steib tallied two singles. Kalee Aguilar swiped a base in the third.
Dylann Baker drew the start in the circle lasting 5.0 innings allowing just four hits. Jordyn Stelzig pitched the final inning allowing just two hits.
Up Next…
The Swedes will begin conference play on Tuesday, March 10, by hosting the Bethel College Threshers for a doubleheader. Game One is set to begin at 2:00 PM at the Bethany Softball Field.
