SWEDES END SEASON IN NAIA SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES FINAL FOUR

June 1, 2021

Columbus, Ga. - The Bethany College Softball Team ended their season today as they were unable to pull off an upset of #1 seed Southern Oregon at the NAIA Softball World Series. The final score was 9-0 Southern Oregon as the Swedes finish their season at 32-29. Bethany pulled off one of the biggest turnarounds in the country as they started the season just 9-24 before winning twenty-three of their last twenty-eight contest to end the season. The Swedes had a truly remarkable season as they were the first team in school history to advance to the NAIA Softball World Series. 

Southern Oregon put up two runs in the second inning and added a run in the third to take a 3-0 lead. They were able to extend the lead to 5-0 when they added a pair of runs in the fourth inning before adding four runs in the sixth to finish the game 9-0. 

The Swedes were able to get three hits on the day one each from Kayla Eggly, Millenni Lucero, and Samantha Quezada. Samantha Quezada got the start for Bethany College and went five innings. Kayla Eggly would come in and finish the last inning on the mound for the Swedes. While it is a bittersweet ending the Swedes certainly have nothing to hang their heads about following their historic postseason performance.



Highlights of the Swedes historic season include:

The program's first trip to the NAIA Softball World Series

Ciera Flores tied the school record for RBIs in a season with 66 she is tied with Jordan Blakesley (2016).

Ciera Flores tied the school record for Home runs in a season with 17 she is tied with Jordan Blakesley (2016). 

Ciera Flores broke the school record for walks drawn in a season with 43. Kelli Noonan (2006) held the previous record with 21. 

Morgan Russell finished second in school history for walks drawn in a season with 36. 

Millenni Lucero is now tied for third in school history for walks drawn in a season with 21. 

Samantha Quezada had the second best season in school history for strikeouts by a pitcher with 155, trailing only Jenny Garcia (2012) with 232. 

Samantha Quezada school record for most complete games in a season with 28. 

Samantha Quezada set the school record for most innings pitched in a season with 243.2 passing Jenny Garcia (2012) with 186.1. 

 

Career milestones achieved by Swedes this year include: 

Ciera Flores moving into second place in career batting average with an average of .397 trailing only Morgan Evans (2010) and her career average of .407.

Ciera Flores moved into fifth place in school history for career hits with 216 and fourth place for career runs scored with 154.

Ciera Flores is now third in school history with 176 career RBIs she is also third in career doubles with 47.

Ciera Flores breaking the school record for career walks drawn with 77, the record was formerly held by Ashley Montoya (2016) with 57. 

Samantha Quezada moved into a tie for fourth place in school history for career pitching wins with 30 tied with Savannah Dejmal (2009). 

Samantha Quezada is now fourth in school history with 215 career strikeouts. 

Samantha Quezada is third in school history for complete games with 36. 

 

-#RockarStockar-

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.

Former Governor John Carlin Speaks to Bethany Education Students

March 27, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . 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 Backers Raises More Than $72,000

March 25, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 25, 2025 — Bethany Backers has achieved its most successful fundraising effort to date, raising more than $72,000—more than double any previous year’s total. Thanks to the generosity of over 200 donors, these funds will directly enhance the student experience at Bethany College. Each year, Bethany Backers selects a project based on student suggestions, with donations traditionally starting at $50. A portion of the funds raised also supports student scholarships. Past projects have included creating a mock courtroom for criminal justice students, adding additional seating in campus greenspaces, and purchasing games for common areas. The first project funded by this record-breaking total will be the purchase of new cardio equipment for the college’s fitness center, providing students with upgraded resources to support their health and wellness. Additionally, because of the unprecedented amount raised, Bethany Backers will be able to complete a second project, which will be determined through a vote among this year’s donors. “On behalf of the Bethany College Alumni Association, I want to extend my enthusiastic gratitude to every Bethany Backer who contributed to the 2025 “Swedes Around The World” campaign,” said Olivia Peterson, President of the Bethany College Alumni Association and a 2013 graduate. “This year marked our most ambitious project yet, and our alumni and friends exceeded our goals! Not only will this effort provide upgraded training tools for our student-athletes but, most importantly, it will encourage and motivate all students to move their bodies!” Peterson continued, “I especially want to thank Kelly and Alan Clayton for the generous $10,000 matching grant opportunity and Angie Gaeddert for her wonderful $25,000 gift in honor of her late husband, Dr. Wade Gaeddert. Their generosity inspired others to give and helped us fund the project in full. I am humbled by the collective spirit and commitment of our community. Bethany has shaped us all—and now, we’re ensuring that future generations of Swedes have access to the same transformative experiences. The future is bright, friends! Tusen täck!” The goal is to have both projects ready to launch when students return to campus this fall. Bethany Backers extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, making this milestone achievement possible. For more information about Alumni projects and how to get involved, visit bethanylb.edu/alumni 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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