NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Bethel College softball came away with a split in Wednesday's KCAC doubleheader against Friends, highlighted by a dominant pitching performance in game one before falling in a tightly contested second game. The Threshers now sit at 11-17 overall and 6-10 in conference play, currently 10th in the KCAC standings.
Game 1: Bethel 2, Friends 0
Bethel set the tone early and leaned on a great performance in the circle to secure the opener.
Emma Killingsworth was in complete control, tossing a two-hit shutout while striking out 13 batters and allowing just one walk across seven innings.
The Threshers scratched across all the offense they would need in the second inning. Alohilana Mundon delivered an RBI double to score Kailey Sandoval, and later came home on a sacrifice fly from Kaylee Linnebur to make it 2-0.
Bethel managed just two hits in the game but made them count, while the defense backed Killingsworth with a clean, error-free performance.
Game 2: Friends 7, Bethel 5
The nightcap turned into a back-and-forth battle, with Bethel jumping out early before Friends rallied late.
The Threshers built a 5-4 lead after five innings, fueled by timely hitting throughout the lineup. Madison Gonzales delivered a key two-RBI double in the fifth inning, while Sadie Jensen and Cassie Albin each added RBIs to keep Bethel in front.
Friends responded with a decisive sixth inning, scoring three runs to take a 7-5 lead. Bethel was unable to answer in the final two innings, as Friends closed out the game.
Gonzales led the way offensively with two RBIs, while Jensen scored twice and added an RBI in the effort.
Up Next
Bethel returns home this Saturday for Senior Day, hosting Avila in a doubleheader scheduled for 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.