Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's women's basketball game looked poised for its second consecutive win Monday, but missed opportunities underneath the basket and at the free throw line led to a 61-63 loss against Augsburg Colllege. The Auggies' (6-10, 4-9 MIAC) Katie Ahlstrom buried a 3-point shot with 13.3 seconds, which allowed Sydney Schultz (Fr., Dalton, Minn.) to attempt a last-second step-back shot from downtown, but it missed off the front iron—giving the Royals (3-13, 2-11 MIAC) the conference loss.
 
BU was fantastic towards the end of the first half—finishing the first period on a 17-6 run in the final 6:06. The Royals capitalized on 44.8 percent shooting from the floor—including 50 percent from long range. Rachel Parupsky (Fr., Arden Hills, Minn.) contributed 13 points and eight rebounds in the first half, helping the team total 13 assists.
 
But Bethel missed too many opportunities in the second half—squandering five open layups and five free throws—which allowed the Auggies to get back into the game and eventually edge the Royals down the stretch. The Royals also struggled from the foul line—finishing the game 12-of-19 (63.2 percent) from the charity stripe, including 4-of-11 in the second frame. After being limited to just 29.4 percent in the first half, Augsburg penetrated the zone defense and made 50 percent of its shots in the second period—finishing the game with a shooting mark of 39.4.
 
“In a season that has been difficult, this has been the hardest loss to swallow,” said head coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer. There are, however, a lot of positives to build off of. We played the best basketball of the season in the last eight minutes of the first half and battled until the end of the game. I know we have the potential to be competitive down the stretch.”
 
Parupsky finished the game with 22 points, 13 rebounds—including seven offensive—and three assists for the Royals, while Katlyn Vavra (Jr., Askov, Minn.) ended with nine on 3-of-5 shooting. Several other BU players greatly contributed, as Kelly Swenson (Sr., Dawson, Minn.) grabbed 10 rebounds and dished six assists, while Sydney Schultz scored seven points and assisted five buckets.

The Royals outscored the Auggies 21-13 in bench points and 6-2 in fast break points. Augsburg, however, took advantage of 18 Bethel turnovers by upending BU 20-13 in points off turnovers. Five Auggies scored in double figures, with Jolene Blood leading Augsburg with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting.
 
Bethel will travel to St. Peter, Minn., Wednesday night to take on the Golden Gusties of Gustavus Adolphus College. The Gusties defeated the Royals in Arden Hills, Minn., earlier this season, so Bethel will be looking to steal a road win against the conference foe. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and live stats and webcasts will be available here.