Box Score SAN ANTONIO – Bethel University women's basketball resumed play after a three week break Saturday afternoon with a 66-57 loss in nonconference action to Howard Payne in BU's first game of the Trinity University Classic. The Royals (0-7) were highly competitive throughout the entire competition—leading three times throughout the second half—but Yellow Jackets were too much down the stretch.

“We made great strides forward against a former championship program,” said head women's basketball coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer. “We had good play from up and down today for the most part and I was encouraged by the progress we showed today as a team.”

Herbrechtsmeyer's squad was led by Rachel Parupsky, who finished the matinee with 21 points and 16 rebounds—including 11 defensive boards—on 8-of-16 shooting. Parupksy buried 5-of-8 free throws and blocked four opponent shots. Katelyn Vavra also put up double-figures thanks for five three pointers to total 15 points and three assists. In addition, senior forward Kelly Swenson added eight points and hauled in nine rebounds for the Royals Saturday.

Bethel matched the Yellow Jackets in points in the paint, with each team recording 26 points; however, the Royals claimed the 12-10 advantage in second-chance points. BU's hurt itself more often than hurting its opponents, as HPU forced 26 Bethel turnovers compared to its own 16. The 10-point swing led to a 17-12 point differential in points off turnovers and 10-0 in fast break points.

The Royals will compete again tomorrow, as inclement weather prohibited a team from coming—forcing the teams to all play at different times than previously scheduled. Bethel will take on another Top DIII opponent in Hardin-Simmons at noon CT. The Cowgirls are 5-6 thus far in 2012.