CLERMONT, FL - The Bethel University (MN) softball team plated seven runs in the second inning and never looked back, defeating University of Massachusetts Boston this afternoon, 11-4, at Hancock Park in Clermont, FL. With the win, Bethel improves to 4-3 on the season, while the loss drops the Beacons to 1-3.

Senior second baseman Lauren Habisch (Lakevile, MN) belted a two-run double and senior first baseman Ashley Johnsen (Maple Groove, MN) hit an RBI single to lead the seven-run second inning charge. The Royals sent 11 batters to the plate as senior designated player Lynnae Thompson (Stewartville, MN) reached base twice in the inning on two walks.

The Royals took a 2-0 lead in the first when Johnson crushed a two-RBI double, but the Beacons cut the lead in half in the top of the second on an RBI single to center field by sophomore first baseman Lisa Polsonetti (Revere, MA).

UMass Boston plated three more runs in the top of the third on RBIs from senior second baseman Maria Nasta (Andover, MA) and freshman third baseman Marisa McKinnon (Revere, MA) to make it a 9-4 game.

Bethel pushed its final two runs of the day across in the fourth inning on a two-RBI single by Thompson.

For the Royals, Habisch led the way going 3-4 with three runs scored and two RBI's while Johnsen finished the afternoon going 2-3 at the plate with three RBIs.

For UMass Boston, senior right fielder Amanda Cianciulli (Billerica, MA) was 3-3 with a run scored, while Polsonetti ended the game going 1-3 with an RBI.

Bethel senior pitcher Chelsea Rowden (Shellsburg, IA) picked up the win, tossing a complete game, while allowing four runs on eight hits. For UMass Boston, junior hurler Emily Wolf (Salem, NH) pitched all six innings, striking out a season-high five batters in the loss.