Bethel University's women's basketball squad opens the 2013-14 season this evening, when they play host to Bethany Lutheran College. Before the first scheduled opponent, we preview the five things you need to know about the Royals team. Recently BU was selected to finish seventh in the preseason MIAC Coaches Poll.
 
Well-oiled group
The women's basketball program is now in their 12th season under the direction of Head Coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer. "Herbie" owns a career record of 123-156 during his tenure as the head coach at BU, but has posted a winning season in four of the last six campaigns. The Charles City, Iowa, native will be joined on the bench for the second consecutive winter by assistants Dwight Nelson, Kevin Anderson, and Steve Reiter.
 
Senior leadership
The Royals are led by a pair of seniors, including guards Micaella Petrich and Katelyn Vavra. Petrich, a point guard, was sidelined early on in the season with an injury, but contributed 14.9 minutes per game—averaging 2.3 points and 2.1 assists per game. Vavra was second on the team in scoring, as she averaged 8.2 points per game. Vavra was 53-of-143 (37.1 percent) from downtown and cashed in on 78.6 percent of her free throws.
 
Power of Parupsky
Rachel Parupsky led the league in scoring (16.0) and blocks (4.5) per game one year ago, while ranking second in rebounds (9.0). Not only were Parupsky's blocks per game nationally known (she ranked second nationwide), but her entire game, as she was recognized by D3hoops.com as the 2013-14 Rookie of the Year. Parupsky was also honored this fall by D3hoops.com as an All-America Fourth Team member. Additionally, Parupsky earned MIAC All-Conference, All-Defensive Team and All-First-Year Team honors at the end of last season—the only person in conference history to complete the sweep.
 
Perimeter play
The Royals will continue to score from the outside, as the 2012-13 squad threw up 441 3-pointers last season, making 31.7 percent of their shots fired from long range. Sydney Schultz and Katelyn Vavra each made 47 or more shots from the perimeter and averaged 34.1 percent or better.
 
Young bucks
Several newcomers will be healthy contributors to Bethel's lineup in 2013-14, as they look to replace the three seniors lost from one year ago. Among this years roster is six freshmen, and early signs point to Kalli Zimmermann, Anna Munsterteiger, and Shanni Moorse making the biggest initial impact.