Box Score

ST. PETER, Minn. - After a heartbreaking 57-56 loss to the Gustavus Gusties at home in mid-January, the Bethel Royals hit the road thirsty for revenge. Unfortunately, that thirst remains unquenched as the Gusties defeated the Royals 56-44 tonight.

Bethel led for a majority of the first half - by as many as eight at one point - but then Gustavus crept back and took over the lead at the half, 28-26. In the second half, the Gusties turned on the defense and limited the Royals to just 18 points on six field goals and five free throws.

The big factor in the game was Annegret Nautsch (Sr., Everett, Wash.), as in, she was limited to just two points, five rebounds, and two blocks - well below her season average in each category. Kristen Wolters (Jr., St. Cloud, Minn.) was the only Royal to register double digits with 10 points. She also had the team's high rebound mark with six and added three steals, two assists, and a blocked shot in the effort. Autumn Beasley (Fr., Medina, Minn.) scored seven points, while Taylor Sheley (Fr., Backus, Minn.) and Erica Hormig (Sr., Windom, Minn.) each had six.

The game's high scorer was Gustavus' Katie Layman who had 14 points, of which 10 came from the free throw line. Brianna Radtke and Molly Geske also reached double figures with 12 and 10, respectively.

It hasn't happened too many times this season, but the Royals were out-rebounded 39-30. Bethel was only able to grab nine offensive rebounds all game, which reduced their second chance scoring opportunities as they made just under 35 percent of their shots from the field. Not that Gustavus had much to brag about in terms of shooting percentage, but they did make all of their free throws and made four more three pointers, which was really the difference in the game.

Bethel falls to 13-11 overall and 12-9 in conference play with the loss, while Gustavus improves to 16-8 overall and 14-7 in the MIAC. Both teams have clinched playoff berths and have just one more game to play in the regular season. The Royals are scheduled to close out the 2008-09 campaign this coming Saturday against Carleton beginning at 1 p.m. at home in the Robertson Center.