- The Royals women's basketball team improved to 2-1 in the 2011-12 campaign with a 65-41 road win over Bethany Lutheran College Tuesday night. Bethel University was sensational again on defense and found several ways to score.
The first have began moderately even until the 14-minute-mark when at the time BLC held the 7-6 advantage. Yet
Jon Herbrechtsmeyer's defense clamped down its defense and held the Vikings to 13 points throughout the remainder of the first half, creating nine Bethany Lutheran turnovers that resulted in eight BU points. In the final eight minutes of the half Bethel composed a 15-7 run that put the Royals ahead 27-20 heading into the locker room. Senior
Taylor Sheley (Sr., Backus, Minn.) led all players with 11 points, four steals, two assists, and two blocks at the half-way point.
In the second period Bethel stayed explosive, rattling off an 8-0 run that pushed the BU lead to 15 with 16 minutes to play in the game. The Royals utilized an 11-0 run later in the half with 8:40 to play that pushed the Bethel lead to 51-26, proving to be too much for the host Vikings. Despite several substitutions BU finished the game with a 24-point advantage, defeating Bethany Lutheran 62-38. Several components worked well in the second frame, including the Royals shooting. BU manufactured a 53.3 shooting percentage in the second, to go along with eight more points off turnovers. Bethel was also able to rely on its bench, as the non-starters cashed in 15 second-half points for BU.
Throughout the game Bethel created 16 turnovers, which turned into 16 BU points. Bethel found its key dominance down low, outscoring the Vikings in the paint 36-6. The Royals also managed eight second-chance points and eight fast-break points. Sheley led all scorers with 19 points, nine rebounds, five steals, two assists, and two blocks. Several others contributed to the BU victory, including
Kelly Swenson (Jr., Dawson, Minn.), Kiah Dalquist (Fr., St. Cloud, Minn.), and
Lindy Parker (Fr., Rosemount, Minn.). Swenson rattled home 11 points, grabbing five rebounds, swiping three steals, and dishing out two assists. Dalquist and Parker were exceptional on the blocks, as Dalquist finished with eight points and seven rebounds, while Parker delivered six points and nine rebounds. Each were a major factor to the 36 points in the paint and eight second chance points.
Bethany Lutheran was led by Jessica Englund, who posted a double-double effort with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The Royals return to the court next week as it opens up conference play on the road against Saint Catherine's on Wednesday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m.
