North Newton, Kan. - Friends came out swinging in the opening game today, dominating Bethel College in a decisive 10-0 shutout. The Falcons set the tone early, plating three runs in the first inning and never looking back from there. They continued to apply pressure with four more runs in the third and tacked on additional insurance runs to seal the victory in six innings.

Cadence Magana and Teagan Moreno led the offensive charge, each collecting multiple hits and scoring runs. Becca Dunn provided power, blasting a home run while driving in three runs. The Falcons capitalized on extra-base hits, with Magana, Dunn, and Jayden Estabrook all contributing doubles.

Riley Wertz was dominant in the circle, tossing six shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out 13. Her performance kept Bethel off balance all game, securing the shutout win for Friends.

In Game 2, the Falcons couldn't maintain their offensive momentum, falling 5-3 to the Threshers. Bethel struck early, scoring twice in the second inning and adding another run in the third. Friends responded with runs in the third and fourth innings, but a three-run fifth from Bethel proved to be the difference.

Priscilla Mora and Becca Dunn each drove in runs for Friends, while Raelen Hernandez contributed with a sacrifice fly. The Falcons had their chances but struggled to find timely hits, leaving seven runners on base.

On the mound, Jenna Ormiston and Kierstan Weitze split pitching duties. Ormiston gave up five runs in two innings before Weitze took over, holding Bethel to just one run over the final four frames.

With the series split, the Softball Falcons will look to bounce back in their next matchup against Benedictine College, Sunday, March 16, here in Wichita.