ST. PAUL, Minn.—Bethany Lutheran (32-9 overall) defeated Northwestern (29-15) 3-2 to win the 2026 UMAC Softball Tournament Championship Saturday afternoon. The Vikings were the No. 2 seed and the Eagles were the No. 1 seed. The tournament title is the fourth in program history and second in a row for BLC.

Northwestern, who was the visitors in this contest, got on the scoreboard first in the second inning as Lani Schoper singled in Trista Oberle.

This remained the score until the sixth inning when the Eagles added to their margin as Oberle drove in Emma Edwards on her RBI single up the middle to make it 2-0.

Bethany Lutheran tallied three runs with two outs in the bottom of the sixth as Edholm-Kehler scored on a bases loaded hit by pitch. Olivia Sanborn hit a sacrifice fly to score Avery Carlson to even it at two all.

The next batter, Bryn Weidner doubled up the middle which drove in Addie Ahern for the go-ahead run.

In the top of the seventh, Northwestern drew a walk with two outs. The runner would be left stranded as the next batter grounded out to third base to seal the win for the Vikings.

Emily Meyer was named Tournament MVP for her efforts throughout the three games.

Bethany Lutheran will learn its game site and opponent during the NCAA Selection Show Monday at 10 a.m.