Box Score

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Bethel Royals led by as many as 13 points in the second half and withstood a late St. Olaf Ole rally to hang on for a 68-64 MIAC win on the road this afternoon.

The Royals took a nine-point lead into the intermission up 37-28, as they outscored the Oles 13-5 in the final five minutes of the half. The Royals came out strong again in the second half, increasing their lead to as many as 13. The Oles, however, rallied their way back, outscoring the Royals 23-9 in a 10-minute span to take a 56-55 lead with just over five minutes to play. The Royals, who shot just 67% from the free throw line on the game, made 8-of-12 crucial free throws down the stretch as they retook the lead and sealed the win.

Kristen Wolters (Sr., St. Cloud, Minn.) led the Royals with 14 points while tying for the team lead with seven rebounds. Shana Grejtak (Jr., Franklin, Minn.) had a strong afternoon, playing 34 minutes and also finishing with seven rebounds while adding 10 points of her own. Kelly Swenson (Fr., Dawson, Minn.) played an excellent role for the Royals off the bench today as she finished with 11 points in her 25 minutes of work. Rachel Gilbert (Fr., Becker, Minn.) also finished in double figures with 10 points, with seven of them coming at the charity stripe.

As a team, the Royals finished the contest shooting 41% from the floor and were 7-for-15 from beyond the arc. The Royals also used an aggressive offense to get to the free throw line where they finished the day 29-for-43.

With today's win, the Royals improve to 3-8 overall and 2-6 in MIAC play, while the Oles drop to 1-10 overall and 1-7 in conference play. The Royals are scheduled to be back in action this upcoming Wednesday, January 13, at 7:30 p.m. for a date at home with the Augsburg Auggies.