Box Score

ST. JOSEPH, Minn. - Bethel's hopes of playing in the title game of the MIAC playoffs came to an end tonight as they were defeated by the #1 seed and host Saint Benedict Blazers by a score of 66-61.

Claire Lynch Hall is a tough place to play and win if you're any team except the Blazers. Just ask any opposing team that's played there this season. The Blazers extended their home winning streak to 13 games, but to Bethel's credit, the Royals made them earn it. For the second time in as many games against the Blazers, the Royals led at halftime, and played with their opponent right until the final buzzer. Saint Benedict had to do everything they could to beat Bethel, who tied the game three times and had the lead on three separate occasions in the second half alone.

Bethel pulled within one point with 25 seconds remaining, but Saint Benedict made each of its four free throws down the stretch to win and advance to the MIAC championship game on Saturday night.

For the Royals, Autumn Beasley (Fr., Medina, Minn.) was the leading scorer with 16 points, helped by a 5-for-5 performance at the free throw line. Three other Royals posted double digit figures, including Erica Hormig (Sr., Windom, Minn.), who came in off the bench to earn a season high 14 points. Hormig was no doubt one of the key factors to tonight's game for Bethel. She did not play against the Blazers when they came to the Robertson Center, which forced Saint Benedict to make some adjustments.

Taylor Sheley (Fr., Backus, Minn.) had 12 points and six of Bethel's 17 steals, while Annegret Nautsch (Sr., Everett, Wash.) finished with 10 points, six rebounds, and blocked shot. Shana Grejtak (So., Franklin, Minn.) pulled down the most rebounds for Bethel with eight

The Blazers had just one player in double figures, and that was Ariel Trauer, who had 17. She nearly had a double-double with nine rebounds.

Although the Blazers shot better percentage-wise, the Royals' scrappy and aggressive brand of play kept the Saint Benedict offense in check. The Blazers committed twice as many turnovers as the Royals with 26 gaffs as opposed to 13.

The loss brings closure to a season that saw both individuals and the team reach a number of milestones. Nautsch ends her senior season as the leading shot blocker in the nation, the school record holder for rebounds, and the MIAC record holder for blocked shots. The team earned its first winning season in more than a decade at 15-12 overall, as well as its first playoff victory in more than 12 years.