ARDEN HILLS, Minn. -- The Augsburg University softball faced off against Bethel University in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader on Wednesday, falling in both games with final scores of 12–2 and 7–2 at the Ona Orth Complex.
THE BASICS
SCORES: Bethel 12, Augsburg 2 (5 inn.); Bethel 7, Augsburg 2
LOCATION: Ona North Complex, Arden Hills, Minn.
RECORD: Augsburg 7-28 overall (2-17 MIAC), Bethel 16-22 overall (11-9 MIAC)
GAME 1 RECAP
In the first game, Augsburg recorded two hits, including a home run, but was unable to overcome the Royals' offensive surge.
Mckenna Haug made a notable impact with a home run and two RBIs.
Kayla Shaffer contributed with a hit and scored a run, while
Nikolina Opp relieved
Brooke Laier, who pitched for 3 innings, allowing 12 hits, 11 earned runs, and 2 home runs. Laier also recorded 2 walks and 1 strikeout during her 77-pitch outing. Opp pitched 1 inning, allowing 1 walk and striking out 1 batter in her 20-pitch appearance.
The Royals surged ahead in the second inning, capitalizing on a series of productive at-bats to extend their lead. A critical moment came when Sidney Bartels delivered a grand slam home run, which followed a sequence involving a single, a double, and a wild pitch that set the table for the Royals to take command with a 9–2 lead. Augsburg's offense showed promise earlier in the same inning, as Shaffer reached on a single and advanced on an error, setting the stage for Haug's two-run homer that briefly narrowed the deficit. However, Bethel's subsequent offensive outburst proved too much to overcome.
GAME 2 RECAP
n the second game, the Auggies managed nine hits in the matchup, while the Royals capitalized on their nine hits with seven runs to secure the victory.
Nikolina Opp pitched a complete game for Augsburg, going 6 innings while allowing 7 earned runs on 9 hits, striking out 1 batter and issuing 3 walks over 67 pitches.
Jayden Evenson recorded two hits and one RBI, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts, while
Olivia Grefe showcased her patience at the plate with four walks.
Teron Ormond-Miller added to the team's performance with one hit and a stolen base. Bethel secured a decisive lead in the fifth inning with a series of free passes and a crucial two-RBI single by Molly Closser, extending their advantage to 6–1. Augsburg had opportunities to shift the momentum, notably in the third inning when
Lola Pilon singled in Evenson to cut the deficit to 2–1. However, Bethel quickly responded, and Augsburg struggled to break through the Royals' defense in key moments, including the sixth inning when the Auggies loaded the bases with no outs but managed just one run. In the seventh inning, Augsburg mounted a final threat with runners in scoring position, but Bethel's defense held firm, denying any further scoring.
UP NEXT
Looking ahead, Augsburg will host Concordia College-Moorhead in a MIAC doubleheader on Saturday, May 2 at 1 p.m. at Edor Nelson Field in Minneapolis.
