ST. PETER, Minn. - Traveling to Gustavus Adolphus College this evening, the Bethel Women's Basketball team fell at the hands of the Gusties by a score of 62-53. Tonight marked the first game of the Royals season, unfortunately the Gusties stifled any plans of victory for Bethel.

Jumping right into the conference season, Bethel kept the game close throughout the entire first half of play with the Gusties taking a 24-21 lead into half-time. Kelly Swenson (So., Dawson, Minn.) collected nearly half of Bethel's early buckets as she finished the half with 10 points.

With the game still much in hand, the Royals looked to jump on the Gusties in the second half and snatch the lead back. Despite a formidable attack, Bethel could never gain the lead and eventually lost 62-53. Swenson finished with 16 points to lead the Royals. Scotti Moats (So., Waconia, Minn.) also put up double figures in the points department as she finished the game with 12.

Up next, the women will take part in their home opener at the Robertson Center Saturday evening at 5 p.m. where they take on the Tommies from St. Thomas.