MISHAWAKA, Ind. – On a day when the Bethel College softball team received its highest national ranking in the programs’ history (No. 4), the Pilots opened up MCC play with a doubleheader sweep of Grace College.

Bethel used a huge six-run second inning to take a commanding lead in game one and never looked back in the 7-1 victory. Sarah Rassi led the charge by going 2-4 with four RBI.

Holly Weaver, Brittney Fisher and Tara Blair all had multiple hits for the Pilots. Kelli Zache threw four innings and struck out six to pick up her ninth victory of the season.
Sister Kendra Zache worked the final three innings, allowing one unearned run on two hits with a strikeout.

In game two, Rachel Zirille dominated the Lancers’ offensive attack with eight strikeouts in seven innings pitched. Zirille scattered eight hits and allowed zero earned runs in the complete game effort.

Offensively, the Pilots scored runs in the first three frames to build a 4-0 lead by the bottom of the third inning.

Brittney Fisher and Mandy Cripe were each 2-3 with a double and an RBI to lead Bethel to the 5-1 victory.

Up next for the Pilots is another MCC doubleheader at Goshen College.

First pitch for the Pilots and the Maple Leafs is set for Thursday at 3 p.m. in Goshen, Ind.