Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - What a difference half a season can make. The last time the Bethel Royals took on the Saint Benedict Blazers they lost by more than 30 points. This time around, however, it was much more of an even match. The Royals even led by as many as 16 points during the game, but they ultimately succumbed to the Blazers' fury, losing 75-62.

Though the Blazers scored first in this match, the Royals didn't allow them to lead again after the first five minutes had passed. Bethel cruised their way through the first twenty minutes, widening the scoring gap all the way. When the buzzer sounded to end the first half, that lead had been cut to 10 at 36-26. Significantly contributing to that score was Kristen Wolters (Jr., St. Cloud, Minn.) who had 11 points.

Just as half a season can make a difference, it turns out so can half a game, which is what the Royals learned when both teams stepped back on the court to finish the contest. The Blazers came out, well, blazing, and they quickly regained the points they'd given up in the beginning - and even took a few more. Saint Benedict increased their field goal and three-point field goal shooting percentages by over 20 percent. Bethel's shooting percentage, however, decreased from nearly 60 percent in the first to about 29 percent in the second. Though that's not to say the Royals didn't succeed in areas. Wolters rounded out the night with 18 points, matching her career high. Taylor Sheley (Fr., Backus, Minn.) contributed 15 points and six rebounds, and Autumn Beasley (Fr., Medina, Minn.) added eight points and four assists to the effort.

On the defensive end of the floor Bethel performed well, and they held Saint Benedict's Danielle Frank to half the rebounds and points she's used to. Annegret Nautsch (Sr., Everett, Wash.) snagged 10 rebounds over the taller Frank and also contributed 2 blocks.

Standouts for Saint Benedict include Amy Stifter, who finished with 21 points. Complementing that number were Joelle Waytashek with 15 points, and Ariel Tauer with 14.

A loss brings Bethel to 6-6 in the MIAC and 7-8 overall. Top-ranked Saint Benedict moves to 10-2 in conference and 12-3 overall. The Royals next game is scheduled to be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. when they travel to Winona to take on Saint Mary's.