ST. PAUL - The Bethel Royals utilized a 42-21 first half lead to power past Saint Catherine University on the road. BU finished its first Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) competition of the 2011-12 season with a 72-57 victory. With the win the Royals have won three straight games, all on the road, and hold an overall record of 3-1 throughout the first four games.

Bethel's women's basketball squad finished the evening with a field goal percentage above 40 percent, including a 40 percent average from behind the three-point line. In the first half alone BU's players hit 16-of-34 shots from the floor, boasting a field goal percentage of 47 percent in its initial 42 points.

The Royals were even with the Wildcats throughout the contest in rebounds, but BU capitalized on 13 steals and 21 St. Catherine turnovers throughout the 40 minutes of play. Bethel showcased exceptional bench play in Wednesday night's performance as 32 of the team's 72 points came from the non-starters.

Four players contributed double-digit points for Bethel in Wednesday night's affair. Taylor Sheley finished 4-for-10 from downtown, contributing to her 14 point total to go along with five steals, four assists, and one block. Kelly Swenson chipped in 13 points, going five-of-nine from the floor, while also sprinkling in four assists and two steals. Lindy Parker posted BU's first double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 boards, including six offensive rebounds. Parker also swiped three steals and blocked one shot. Nicole Berscheid also added 10 points to the Royals' total.

Head Coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer and the Bethel women's basketball team will seek to keep its win streak alive when heading to Macalester College Saturday for a 1 p.m. matinee. The weekend game will be BU's fifth consecutive road game and second MIAC contest. Following Saturday's game will be the Royals first home game on Monday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. against Augsburg College.