Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's women's basketball squad picked up a critical 78-69 victory over Saint Mary's University—a team that finished second in the MIAC standings one year ago—Wednesday evening in the Robertson Gym. The Royals (3-0, 1-0 MIAC) utilized a 31-of-41 (75.6 percent) performance from the free throw line to overcome the Cardinals (3-1, 2-1 MIAC) in BU's conference 2013-14 conference opener.
 
Head coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer was pleased after the triumph, saying, "It's great to beat a team that was second a year ago and a team picked to be in the playoffs this year."
 
Bethel didn't make a field goal in the final nine minutes of the game, but did shoot 33 free throws alone in the final period. Kalli Zimmerman led the Royals charge in the second frame, as she finished 9-of-13 from the charity stripe. Zimmermann ended the contest with 17 points and eight rebounds, while three other BU players went for double digits.
 
Katelyn Vavra scored 14 points on 3-of-6 shooting from the floor and 5-of-6 from the foul line. Meanwhile, Sydney Schultz tallied 12 and Rachel Parupsky went for 11 points and seven rebounds.
 
"I'm happy with our balance all around tonight," said Herbrechtsmeyer. "We proved how difficult it is to defend us when there are 10 or 11 players contributing to the overall game plan. We also showcased great defense throughout the 40 minutes of play."
 
The Royals defense was exceptional—recording six blocks, including three from Zimmermann and two from Parupsky, and 11 steals. Zimmermann again led the team in steals and also in assists. BU outrebounded the Cardinals 38-36 and tallied eight less fouls throughout the evening affair.
 
Bethel returns to action Saturday afternoon, as they travel down Snelling Ave. to take on conference foe, Macalester College. Tipoff between the Royals and Scots is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Alumni Gym in the Leonard Center.