ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE 1] [BOX SCORE 2] Softball picked up its first win of the 2017 season 2-1 over Bethel University (Tenn.) behind seven solid innings from Andrea Chessor. The Spartans split with the Wildcats after dropping game two 9-1.

An RBI double from Emily Robinson gave MBU the 2-1 lead in the top of the sixth. The hit scored Kelsey Dotson, who pinch ran for Shelby Poropat after the junior singled to start the inning.

Chessor scattered seven hits in seven innings and pitched around a single in the final inning to pick up the win. She also helped produce a run in the fourth inning that got the Spartans out in front 1-0. Chessor singled to lead off, stole second, stole third and then scored on the catcher's wild throw.

Bethel eventually tied the game in the bottom of the fifth before Robinson's double put the Spartans up for good. Emily went 2-3 for the game.

The Wildcats used a seven-run third inning to break open game two. MBU (1-4) added a run in the fifth inning after an error from Bethel, but not after the Wildcats surged ahead 9-0 after three innings.

Seven runs on seven hits gave Bethel the big lead after three. Casey Wade picked up the win after tossing five innings of three-hit ball. Macey Wienstroer had two of the three base knocks for MBU. Iesha Kizer went 1-2 with three runs batted in for Bethel. Mady Kate Gantt led Bethel with a 3-3 performance at the dish.

Delissa Dennison took the loss for MBU after allowing five earned runs in 2.1 innings pitched. The Spartans return to St. Louis on Wednesday to open the season at home against Avila University. First pitch is set for 1:00 pm.