NEWTON, KAN. – The University of Saint Mary women's softball team splits with Bethel in their conference opener Saturday afternoon in Newton, Kansas. The Spires won game one 9-3 and then fell 9-6 in game two. The games were originally scheduled to be played on Saint Mary's homefield, but were moved due to inclement weather.

The Spires are now 2-12 overall and 1-1 KCAC

GAME FLOW
Each team held each other scoreless until the third inning when Bethel scored their only three runs of the game. In the bottom of the fourth, Saint Mary got on the board after a passed ball allowed Julissa Serrano to score. The Spires would then score eight unanswered runs to secure the win in their conference opener.

Alexis Solis led the team with three RBI's. Samantha Torres went 2-for-1 from the plate and had two RBI's. Hazel Faz went 3-for-2 at the plate.

Samantha Torres took the win at the mound for the Spires. Madison McDowell took the loss for the Threshers.

In game two, the Spires jumped out to a 2-1 lead before Bethel jumped up to a 4-2 lead in the second inning.

With two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning, Ashley Whaley sparked a rally by reaching base on a single. Paige Siewert would follow with a double to move Whaley to third. A double by Mara Davis would score both Whaley and Siewert to tie the game. A big sixth inning by the Threshers put them up 8-6. Bethel would score one more run in the seventh and hold on defensively to take the second game.

Hailey Reece went 3-for-3 at the plate. Samantha Torres went 3-for-3 from the plate and had three RBI's.

Madison McDowell got the win for the Threshers. Paige Siewert took the loss on the mound for the Spires.

WHATS AHEAD FOR THE SPIRES
Saint Mary will hit the road this Wednesday to Sterling, Kan. where they will take on Sterling College in another conference doubleheader. Game one is set for 2:00 pm.