ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The UW-River Falls softball team dropped both games of a non-conference doubleheader at Bethel, falling 6-5 in game one and 11-5 in game two.

Game One – Bethel 6, UWRF 5

The Falcons struck early, plating a run in the first inning before breaking things open with a four-run fourth to take a 5-1 lead. The inning was highlighted by key hits from Alexa Dusterhoft, Ella Stuber, and Addison Eaton, with Stuber driving in two runs and Eaton adding an RBI double.

Stuber led the Falcons offensively, finishing 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI, while Dusterhoft also tallied two hits and an RBI.

Bethel rallied in the sixth inning, scoring five runs to erase the Falcons' lead. A combination of extra-base hits and aggressive baserunning pushed the Royals ahead 6-5, a lead they would hold through the final inning. 

Game Two – Bethel 11, UWRF 5

The Falcons again showed offensive flashes in game two, but a big inning from Bethel proved to be the difference.

UW-River Falls got on the board in the second inning and later pulled within one run in the fifth. The Falcons produced a three-run sixth inning, highlighted by a two-RBI performance from Addison Eaton, who finished the game with four RBI on two hits.

Additional contributions at the plate came from Lacie Lilyquist, Caitlyn Kressel, and Ella Stuber, as the Falcons totaled eight hits in the contest.

Bethel used a six-run fifth inning to create separation before adding two more in the sixth. The Royals finished with 11 runs on 11 hits to secure the sweep.

The Falcons will return to Perkins Stadium on Saturday for a doubleheader against Macalester. The games will serve as the Falcons' home opener and will also celebrate Alumni Day, honoring all former Falcon softball alumni.