CIERA FLORES AND MILLENNI LUCERO NAMED TO NAIA SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

June 3, 2021

LINDSBORG - Following a historic run to the final four of the NAIA Softball World Series a pair of Bethany College Swedes have been named to the all tournament team. Ciera Flores and Millenni Lucero were the two Swedes chosen for All Tournament honors. Shortstop Ciera Flores earned the honor after batting .363 (4-11) in five games at the NAIA World Series. Flores hit two home runs and had three RBIs. She also scored a pair of runs and drew five walks. Millenni Lucero was selected following a World Series performance that her hit .400 (4-10) and score four runs. Lucero also walked twice and was twice hit by a pitch. Additionally Lucero went 3 for 4 on stolen base attempts and played exhilerating defense in left field for the Swedes. 

The 2019 defending national champions, Southern Oregon battled though elimination bracket winning five games straight to earn the 2021 Red Banner. The Raiders defeated Oregon Tech 3-2 forcing the if necessary game and then defeated the Owls, 7-5 in nine innings to claim the second victory. 


The two teams both call the state of Oregon home, with their campuses separated by just 66 miles the Cascade Collegiate Conference rivals played on the big stage Wednesday night. This was the first conference matchup in the national championship game since 2014. Prior to the first pitch Southern Oregon led the series against Oregon Tech 3-2.


This was the first championship game to go to extra innings since 2012. Opponents from the same conference hadn't matched up in the final since 2014, and SOU became just the second of the last 12 champions to come out of the elimination bracket to win it.

No. 1 Southern Oregon prevailed yet winning their fourth elimination game and forced the winner-take-all finale. The 3-2 victory snapped the Owls 14-game win streak. Both teams started out strong at the plate. Oregon Tech scored first off a Southern Oregon error at left field. Southern Oregon also scored one fun in the first piecing together two hits. The score remained 1-1 until the bottom of the fifth when Southern Oregon took their first lead of the day. Avery Morehead-Hutsell started the Raiders off with a single to short and then Hannah Shimek, Lauren Quirke and Riley Donovan all followed suite singling to total four hits. Quirke and Donovan both earned the RBIs for the inning. The Owls stopped the Raiders before further damage leaving two on base at the end of inning.

Owls attempted comeback in the top of the seventh, but fell short in the process. McKenna Armantrout singled through the gap to bring Olivia Lethlean home to make the score 3-2. Southern Oregon defense stopped the Owls leaving three on base and forcing the if necessary game. The win went to Gabby Sandoval (32-4), who finished a complete game by getting Aubrie Businger to pop out with the bases loaded in the seventh.


In the second game of the night Southern Oregon used the momentum from their win to take an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Owls strung together three hits for one run to get on the board early as well. With SOU up 5-1 and needing one final out in the bottom of the seventh Oregon Tech did not give up. They continued to battle getting five straight Owls got on base, the Owls sent 10 batters to the plate in the inning to extend the game. Three of them reached via walks, including Logan Nunes, who took a full-count fastball low with the bases loaded to force in the tying run. Sending the game into extra innings with a 5-5 score.



Riley Donovan, 2021 World Series MVP, led off the top of the ninth and muscled a 1-0 pitch at the letters over the center field fence for her eighth home run. Over seven games at the World Series, she went 11-for-17 with two home runs, two doubles and eight RBIs.

 

All-Tournament Team

Millenni Lucero, Bethany (Kan.)

Ciera Flores, Bethany (Kan.)

Veronica Pezzoni, Madonna (Mich.)

Maeson Schlaud, Madonna (Mich.)

Jess Heick, Mount Mercy (Iowa)

Jayna Witzany, Mount Mercy (Iowa)

Casson Rasmussen, Ottawa (Kan.)

Katelyn Wilfert, College of Idaho

Hattie Hruza, College of Idaho

McKenna Armantrout, Oregon Tech

Lauren Quirke, Southern Oregon

Allie Stines, Southern Oregon

Sarah Abramson, Oregon Tech

Gabby Sandoval, Southern Oregon

Kaila Mick, Oregon Tech

Hannah Shimeck, Southern Oregon

The Most Valuable Player

Riley Donovan, Southern Oregon

Bethany College Baccalaureate and Commencement Speakers

April 2, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State.  Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Bethany College Welcomes Over 60 Guests for Annual Waffle Day Preview Event

March 31, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 31, 2025 — In its 15th annual celebration, Bethany College Admissions hosted its “Waffle Day” preview event on Saturday, March 22, coinciding with Lindsborg’s “Våffeldagen” festivities. The event invited high school students and their families to experience a “taste” of college life—while also enjoying a sweet slice of Swedish culture. Over 60 prospective students and families from four different states attended the preview day, which included a campus tour, admissions and financial aid session, a faculty-led academic presentation, and a student panel highlighting campus life. “For several years now, Våffeldagen has been a crowd favorite for both future and current students at Bethany College,” said Sabrina Wollenberg, Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. “Lindsborg is a special part of many students’ college experience—including my own. Families may visit other campuses and not feel a connection to the town, but when they come to Bethany, they fall in love with both the college and the community. For this event, we want to highlight not just the campus, but also one of the most exciting days of the year, giving prospective students a true sense of Bethany. It’s more than just residence halls and classrooms—it’s a vibrant Main Street with local shops and a welcoming community. Plus, nothing appeals more to a 17 or 18-year-old than waffles!” The History Behind Våffeldagen “Våffeldagen,” or Waffle Day, is a Swedish tradition rooted in the Feast of the Annunciation, observed on March 25. The day’s original name, “Vårfrudagen” (Our Lady’s Day), over time morphed into “Våffeldagen,” which sounded similar in Swedish. The accidental shift became a beloved tradition of celebrating spring with waffles and gathering with friends. Lindsborg’s Våffeldagen has grown into a regional favorite, drawing visitors from near and far.This year’s planners for the downtown Våffeldagen event were Tara Killingsworth (The Ivory Thimble), Rachael Breen (Hairymolairys), and Samuel Finch (Blacksmith Coffeeshop and Roastery). The town-wide celebration features waffle-inspired treats and family-friendly activities all across Main Street. Bethany College invites students and families to return for three more hallmark events that showcase the college and community’s shared spirit: Messiah Festival of the Arts, April 11 & 13, 2025 Chalk the Välk, April 12, 2025 Svensk Hyllningsfest, October 17–18, 2025 These events highlight the strong ties between the college and the city, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the unique energy of Lindsborg and its beloved traditions. For more information on upcoming events or to schedule a campus visit, please visit bethanylb.edu/visit-campus To explore more about Lindsborg and its beloved traditions, visit visitlindsborg.com . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Bethany College Raises Over $168,000 for Student Scholarships

March 28, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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