For the second consecutive year, the Bethel College softball team put together a 50 win season. This year, win number 50 couldn't have come at a better time as the win clinched the automatic berth to the NAIA National Tournament in Decatur, Alabama.

With the MCC Championship series tied a one game apiece, Saturday's winner between Bethel and Marian would punch their ticket to nationals.


The Pilots wasted little time staking their claim to the title as they put up five runs on Marian starter Sandy Corum in the top of the second inning. Corum came into today with an impressive 3-0 mark versus Bethel this season.

The Pilots never looked back after that big inning thanks to the clutch pitching performance of Katie Boocher. For the second day in a row Boocher held Marian's hitters in check. On Saturday she allowed zero runs on two hits while striking out five in five innings of work.

Bethel coach Anna Welsh also called upon Pilots senior Emily Perrenot to throw two innings of relief. Perrenot, who had not pitched all season before Friday, came in and threw two innings of shutout ball while giving up a one hit.

Mandy Cripe and Sarah Rassi paced the Pilots hitting attack. Rassi went 3-4 with a double and an RBI while MCC Player of the Year Cripe went 3-4 with two doubles, two RBI, and a homerun.

Up next for the 50-6 Pilots is their third consecutive trip to the NAIA National Tournament in Decatur, Alabama. The tournament is set to begin on May 14th.