Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Bethel entered tonight's game hoping to get back on the winning track after a tough loss to perennial MIAC powerhouse Saint Benedict.  While the Royals and Tommies battled back and forth for much of the night, Bethel ultimately came up short, 71-63, despite getting 26 points from Annegret Nautsch (Jr., Seattle, Wash.).

Nautsch had 18 of her points in the first half alone and was also able to grab 16 rebounds and block eight shots on the night.  She shot 11-for-16 from the floor and was 4-for-4 from the line.  Unfortunately for the Royals, Kiersten Hansen (So., Eden Prairie, Minn.) got into foul trouble during the second half and limited her playing time.  She fouled out, but did score 10 points in the effort.  Alexa Grones (Jr., Tamarack, Minn.) also had an impressive game.  The 5'4" guard scored seven points and was second to Nautsch in team rebounding with nine, of which eight came on defense. 

St. Thomas was led by Jessica Katch, who had 24 points and 10 rebounds.  Three other Tommies finished with double-digit points, including Carrie Embree who scored 16 points, had 11 rebounds, and also blocked two Bethel shots.

Bethel shot 40-percent from the field on the night, but was only 3-for-19 from the perimeter.

The loss drops the Royals to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in the MIAC.  The Tommies improve to 6-3 overall and 5-1 in conference play.  Bethel travels to Northfield to take on St. Olaf for their next game at 7:30 on Wednesday night.