SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University softball team split a Crossroads League doubleheader on Tuesday, defeating Bethel University 4-2 in game one before falling 7-3 in game two.
 
The Cougars move to 23-19 overall and 14-14 in conference play.
 
In game one, Bethel took a 2-0 lead through three innings before SAU responded with a three-run fourth to take control. Payton Grange got things started, scoring on a double from Megan Bondy. Bondy later crossed the plate on a groundout by Lexi Cain, and Matajia Cerroni added an RBI hit in the inning.
 
Summer Ambler provided insurance in the fifth with a solo home run.
 
Emilee Underwood earned the win in the circle, allowing just two runs over seven innings while striking out five.
 
In game two, Bethel struck first with a run in the opening inning, but Ambler answered with her second home run of the day – a solo shot in the bottom half to even the score.
 
The Pilots regained the lead with two runs in the second, and after SAU trimmed the deficit to one in the third, Bethel broke the game open with four runs in the fourth.
 
Spring Arbor threatened in the seventh, loading the bases with no outs, but was limited to just one run.
 
Ambler led the Cougars at the plate, going a perfect 5-for-5 on the day after a 3-for-3 performance in game two and a 2-for-2 effort in the opener. Nicole Barbeau and Grace Luby each added two hits.
 
Spring Arbor will return to action on Friday, April 17, hosting Huntington University with first pitch set for 3 p.m.