Live Stats/Video

ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict softball team heads into Thursday's doubleheader against Bethel on an eight-game winning streak after a pair of MIAC sweeps this weekend. The Bennies – who moved up to No. 16 in the latest NFCA Coach's Poll – haven't played at home since March 21, so the team looks to impress its fans once again at the Outdoor Athletic Complex.
 
First pitch against the Royals is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the OAC. Per CSB policy, 150 fans are allowed in the grandstands, and fans are also encouraged to sit outside the outfield fence. Restrooms are available, but there are no concessions.
 
Live stats and video are available here.
 
ABOUT THE ROYALS     
Bethel comes into Thursday's games on a six-game winning streak after also sweeping Carleton and Gustavus last week. Amanda Gemuenden is in the top six in the MIAC in batting average (.436), hits (24) and RBIs (24), and Kayla Simacek is fifth in the league with a 1.83 ERA and fourth with 79 strikeouts. She threw a no-hitter against Carleton on Sunday.
 
LAST MEETING
The two teams split a 2019 doubleheader in St. Paul. CSB won the first game 5-0 before the Royals came back to win Game 2 7-3. Ally Hjort started on the mound in both games and threw a three-hit shutout in the first game. Codi Zwack went 2-for-2 to pace the offense in Game 2.
 
THE STORYLINE
The Bennies keep inching their way up the NFCA's Top 25 poll, and the team looks to keep improving its case Thursday against a solid Bethel squad. Both teams have had a hot offense and solid pitching in the circle, so the doubleheader could be a pitcher's duel or a very high-scoring affair.
 
WHO TO WATCH:
Elly Novak continued to impress in the circle over the weekend. She finished with two wins, a save and 23 strikeouts in three appearances to help CSB finish 4-0. Jordyn Swoboda had a big weekend at the plate with six hits, including two homers and two doubles, and she hit .600 in four games. Lexi Hanson moved into the team lead for batting average after a solid four games, and Tori Harren went 3-for-3 with five RBIs in the team's 15-0, five-inning win against the Knights.