Box Score

RIVER FALLS, Wis.—A balanced Bethel University women's basketball team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 70-61 road win against UW-River Falls Tuesday night. The Royals (2-0, 0-0 MIAC) had four players finish in double figures and held the Falcons (0-4, 0-0 WIAC) to 29 percent (19-65) shooting in the triumph.

"I am very pleased with the effort our team has put in thus far," said head coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer. "We are still a young team that is learning a lot right now and it is much more fun to learn those lessons in a win than a loss. I am truly thankful for this group and their efforts on and off the court."
 
Both teams erupted for over 40 points in the second half, but it was the Royals 26-18 advantage in the first half that helped BU clinch its first road victory of the 2013-14 season. The two teams were tied after exactly eight minutes of play, but Bethel slowly pulled away—going on a 14-6 surge the rest of the period. BU increased its lead to 15 midway through the second half and even improved its sizeable margin to 20 with 4:37 left after a 3-point play by Kalli Zimmermann. With the game already out of reach, UW-RF finished the final 4:23 on a 18-9 run to close the game's score at 70-61.
 
Katelyn Vavra had a sensational second half against the Falcons, as she had a team-high 15 points—all in the final frame. Vavra was perfect from the floor in the last 20 minutes—finishing 5-of-5 from the field and 3-of-3 from downtown. Moreover, the senior was a flawless from the free-throw line (2-of-2).
 
Three other Bethel teammates finished in double figures. Rachel Parupsky kept her double-double streak alive, as she wracked up 12 points and 10 rebounds, alongside five blocks. Meanwhile, Kalli Zimmermann scored 12 points and hauled down five boards—her second consecutive double-digit performance. Finally, Sydney Schultz hit double digits for the first time this year, finishing with 10 points and three assists.
 
The Royals biggest advantage came in the paint, as they outscored the Falcons 34-12 in the paint. Ironically, UW-RF grabbed 12 more offensive rebounds, but BU limited River Falls to 29.2 percent shooting and forced them into 19 turnovers, which proved to be costly for the Falcons in the end.

Herbrechtsmeyer continued, "The win certainly helps make for a more positive holiday break, but I think we are all also excited to come back after the break and build on the positive momentum we have so far in the early part of the season."
 
Bethel is off until next Wednesday, December 4, when they host Saint Mary's in their first conference test of the 2013-14 season. The Royals and Cardinals are scheduled to tipoff at 7:30 p.m. with live stats and webcast both available here.