MISHAWAKA, Ind. – The Spring Arbor University softball team earned a doubleheader split with Bethel University on Friday, claiming a 2-1 victory in game one before dropping a 9-4 decision in the nightcap.
 
Spring Arbor used late-game heroics to secure the win in the opener. After being held scoreless through six innings, the Cougars broke through in the seventh as Grace Lentz and Nicole Barbeau launched back-to-back home runs to give SAU a 2-1 lead.
 
The game had been a pitcher's duel between Emilee Underwood and Bethel's Madelynn Queen, with neither team scoring through the first three innings. The Pilots broke the scoreless tie with a run in the fourth and carried the lead into the final frame before the Cougars' late surge.
 
Underwood closed out the victory in dominant fashion, striking out the side in the bottom of the seventh to complete the comeback. She tossed a complete game, allowing just one run on four hits while recording 12 strikeouts. Lentz led the offense, going 2-for-3 at the plate.
 
In game two, Bethel struck early, plating five runs in the first inning to seize control. The Pilots extended their advantage to 9-1 through four innings and maintained the lead the rest of the way.
 
Anna Kemp paced the Cougars offensively in the nightcap, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Brooke Meeker added a hit and crossed the plate twice.
 
Spring Arbor returns to action on Saturday, March 21, traveling to face Huntington University.