[Softball] Softball Falcons Pull Out Split at Bethel in KCAC Opener

North Newton, Kan. – The Friends University Softball Falcons won their KCAC opener 6-5 over the Bethel College Threshers before the Threshers rallied for a 8-7 win in the second game that resulted in a split today (Mar. 24) in North Newton, Kan.

The Falcons got off to a strong start in the opening tilt, scoring four runs in the first inning.

Leading 4-1 after four, the Falcons extended the lead with an RBI double by Kylie Fox (JR/Wichita, Kan. ), who then scored on a single by Breanna Vest (JR/Fayettevile, Ark. ) that made it 6-1 in the fifth inning.

The Falcons had to hang on from there though, as the Threshers scored two runs in the sixth and then climbed within a run when Madison McDowell hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh.

But Heather Breslin (SR/Anchorage, Alas.), who came on to start the seventh, locked in and got the final two outs to close out the win and pick up the save.

Maci Walker (SR/Mansfield, Texas) got the win in the first game for Friends after allowing three runs (one earned) and striking out four over six innings.

Vest drove in two runs for the Falcons and Renee Downey (SO/Modesto, Calif.) also had an RBI.

In the nightcap, it was the Threshers that answered the Falcons' rally with a rally of their own that put them over the top.

Bethel scored five runs in the bottom of the first to take command, but watched the Falcons come all the way back to eventually take a 7-6 lead in the sixth inning.

But Bethel (11-12, 2-2 KCAC) had the final response in the second game when a two-run single by Leisle Hoffman in the bottom of the sixth put the Threshers back in front.

Rylie Scudder then retired the Falcons in order in the seventh to finish out the game and record the save.

Fox went three-of-four for Friends (10-16, 1-1 KCAC) in the second game and drove in one run.

Isabella Gonzalez (JR/Bakersfield, Calif.) and Shelby Belloni (JR/Lakewood, Colo. ) had two hits, with Fox, Downey and Mackenzie Nichols (JR/Columbus, Ohio) and Emily Escobar (SR/Bakersfield, Calif.) each contributing an RBI.

Breslin started for the Falcons and pitched 2/3 of an inning, with five runs (two earned) allowed.

Reaghan Burris (SR/Larned, Kan.) then came on and tossed 4 1/3 effective frames, giving up just one run and striking out three.

Walker also pitched an inning with two runs (none earned) allowed and one strikeout.

The Falcons will next play at York College (Neb.) on Tuesday (Mar. 27) at 3 pm before returning to the Two Rivers Youth Complex to host Bethany College next Saturday (Mar. 31) at 1 pm.