Box Score  
 
ST. PAUL, Minn.—A big night from freshman center Rachel Parupsky was critical to Bethel's success Wednesday evening, as the Royals (5-17, 4-15 MIAC) stole a road victory away from St. Catherine. BU trailed 25-34 at the intermission break, however, a 28-10 run that started at the 18:22-mark in the second period allowed the Royals to take the Wildcats (2-19, 1-17 MIAC) down in the Butler Center 67-63.
 
“I am very pleased with our second half effort and intensity,” said head women's basketball coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer after the game. “We brought a good level of defensive pressure in the second half, which helped turn the tide in the final 20 minutes.”
 
The Royals significantly increased its shooting percentage in the second period, finishing the final 20 minutes with a field goal rate of 44.83 percent (13-of-29). 19 offensive rebounds led to 19 second-chance points and seven steals were converted into 15 points off turnovers.
 
Rachel Parupsky was nearly unstoppable with the ball inside the paint, as the Arden Hills, Minn., native shot 10-of-15 from the floor and 8-of-9 from the foul line for 28 points. Parupsky also grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked four shots in 37 minutes of play. Katelyn Vavra (Jr., Askov, Minn.) also scored in double figures—pouring in 12 points, as the junior guard began 3-of-4 from beyond the perimeter. Kelly Swenson gave Bethel seven points and five boards as well.
 
As a team, Bethel shot 71.4 Percent (15-of-21) from the free-throw line and 38.1 percent (8-of-21) from downtown. The Royals outrebounded the Wildcats 43-35 and kept its turnover count to just 14
 
St. Catherine had three players score in double digits, including Mary Neumann, who finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to stop Parupsky and the Royals in the end.
 
With Wednesday night's win, BU improves to 5-17 on the season—4-15 against conference opponents—and looks towards Saturday, where they will host Saint Mary's University for a 1 p.m. showdown in Arden Hills. The Cardinals are a game out of first place in the MIAC standings, while Bethel has a chance to finish eighth. Live stats and webcasts will both be available for Saturday's matinee here.