NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – The Bethel College softball team wrapped up its 2026 campaign on Tuesday at Wedel Field with a dramatic double-header split against Sterling College. After a thrilling 10-9 walk-off victory in the opener, the Threshers fell just short in a 5-4 battle to conclude the season.
Bethel finishes the year with an overall record of 13-23 and a 9-17 mark in conference play.
Game 1: Bethel 10, Sterling 9
The series opener was a back-and-forth marathon that saw both teams combine for 19 runs and 31 hits. Bethel jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning courtesy of a two-RBI double from Katelynn Quidato.
The game remained tight until the bottom of the sixth, when Bethel's offense exploded for seven runs to take a commanding 9-2 lead. The surge was highlighted by a massive three-run home run from Kiyana Cash. However, Sterling refused to go quietly, orchestrating a furious six-run rally in the top of the seventh to tie the game at 9-9.
In the bottom of the seventh, Cash sparked the winning rally with a single to third base. After being sacrificed to second, she was driven home by Kailey Sandoval, who crushed a walk-off double to center field to seal the 10-9 victory.
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Game 2: Sterling 5, Bethel 4
The nightcap proved to be a defensive struggle characterized by missed opportunities for both squads. Sterling took an early 1-0 lead, which Bethel quickly answered in the bottom of the first when Kenzi Young tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Cash.
Bethel reclaimed the lead in the fifth inning, scoring two runs to go up 3-1. Sterling responded with a decisive four-run sixth inning to jump back ahead 5-3. The Threshers attempted one final comeback in the bottom of the sixth, cutting the deficit to 5-4 on a sacrifice fly from Madison Gonzales, but they were unable to find the equalizer in the seventh.
Key Performers:
