WINONA, Minn. – Saint Mary’s won the university’s first conference softball championship by defeating Bethel 6-5 in a play-off. The game moved the Cardinals into a 31-9 record overall — and earned a berth in the NCAA Division III national tournament. Against Bethel, back-to-back home runs in the first inning by Heather Nordlund and Ali French gave the Cardinals a four-run lead. Bethel never caught up.