Box Score

NORTHFIELD, Minn.—What a difference one season makes.
 
After finishing the 2012-13 season 6-19, the Bethel University women's basketball team already has as many wins as it did one year ago after defeating Carleton College Wednesday night at West Gym 63-57. The Royals (6-0, 4-0) got out to a seven-point lead at the half, and despite allowing the Knights (3-3, 2-2 MIAC) to trim the margin to one, BU hung on to stay perfect on the season.
 
"We're thrilled to be 6-0 after the first six games," stated head coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer. "I am very proud of our defensive effort tonight, as we held a team that was averaging 80 points per game to 57 on their home court."
 
The Royals defense created 14 turnovers, in part because of eight steals. Moreover, BU tallied nine blocks and outrebounded the Knights 45-37.
 
Kalli Zimmermann led Bethel once again, as the freshman contributed 15 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in 34 minutes of play. Katelyn Vavra and Sydney Schultz joined Zimmermann in double figures, as Vavra finished 5-of-11 from the floor with 14 points and Schultz added 10 points.
 
Rachel Parupksy finished the conference matchup with eight points, seven rebounds, and five blocks in 24 minutes of play. Another stat stuffer was Micaella Petrich, who tallied six points, five assists, four blocks, and three steals.
 
As a team, Bethel shot just 38 percent from the floor and 30 percent from beyond the 3-point line, but the Royals earned their sixth consecutive victory with a 19-11 advantage in points off turnovers and a 32-16 margin in points in the paint.
 
Head coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer and his squad will take nearly a three-week break before they square up against competitors on the court again. The Royals will take on Buena Vista University on Saturday, December 28 in Storm Lake, Ia. Tipoff against the nonconference opponent is scheduled for 2 p.m.