North Newton, Kan. — Bethel College (10-21, 6-14 KCAC) sent off its seniors in thrilling fashion on Saturday afternoon, sweeping Southwestern College (9-23, 1-17 KCAC) at Wedel Field. The Threshers exploded for a 16-8 win in game one, storming back from a 7-1 deficit, and followed it with a 9-1 run-rule victory in game two.

The afternoon also marked Senior Day, as Bethel honored the careers of Anna Northcutt, Ella Caudill, Emily Demartino, Kayla Richardson, Ashleigh Bodine, Claire Broxterman, and Gracie Higgins in front of a home crowd.

Game 1: Bethel 16, Southwestern 8

Pitchers of Record

Win: Emma Killingsworth
Loss: Emma Willesden
Save: None

Down 7-1 heading into the bottom of the third, Bethel exploded for nine runs n a wild sequence filled with aggressive base running, errors, and one unforgettable play.

The highlight came when Kailey Sandoval ripped a ball into the outfield that was misplayed and rolled all the way to the wall. With runners flying around the bases and chaos on the field, Sandoval came all the way home for a momentum-shifting inside-the-park grand slam.

Reese McCord and Sadie Jensen added multi-hit efforts, while Kenzi Young drove in two more runs. Bethel added five more runs in the fourth and another in the fifth to seal the comeback victory.

Game 2: Bethel 9, Southwestern 1 (5 Inn.)

Pitchers of Record

Win: Kayla Richardson
Loss: Morgan Shaw
Save: None

Bethel kept the pressure on in game two, scoring in every inning but the fifth. Sandoval continued her tear with three more hits and three runs scored, while Ashleigh Bodine went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and Claire Broxterman added a 2-RBI single.

Emily Demartino started the game in the circle before handing the ball to senior Kayla Richardson, who tossed four scoreless innings with five strikeouts to earn the win.

Statistical Snapshot

Game 1

• Kailey Sandoval | 1-for-4, 3 R

• Reese McCord | 2-for-4, 3 RBIs

• Sadie Jensen | 2-for-2, 3 R, RBI

• Kenzi Young | 3-for-4, 2 RBIs

• Ella Caudill | 2-for-3, 2 R

• Kaylee Linnebur | 1-for-3, 2 RBIs

• Emma Killingsworth | 2.1 IP, 2 R, 3 K (Win)

• Gracie Higgins | 2.2 IP, 2 ER

Game 2

• Kailey Sandoval | 3-for-3, 3 R

• Ashleigh Bodine | 3-for-3, 2 RBIs

• Claire Broxterman | 2-for-3, 2 RBIs

• Reese McCord | 1-for-2, RBI

• Kenzi Young | 1-for-3, 2 RBIs

• Kayla Richardson | 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 5 K (Win)

• Emily Demartino | 1.0 IP, 1 ER

Up Next

Bethel (10-21, 6-14 KCAC) will travel to Evangel University for a Wednesday doubleheader. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. in Springfield, Mo.