Box Score
 
ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's women's basketball team scored its seventh straight conference win Saturday with a 76-62 victory over Hamline University. The win helped the Royals (9-1, 7-0 MIAC) move into sole possession of first place after a St. Thomas loss for the first time in the Coach Herbrechtsmeyer era. Saturday's results should set up for a sensational showdown between the Tommies and Royals Monday night in St. Paul.
 
Kalli Zimmermann had another memorable day for Bethel, as she recorded 18 points, 17 rebounds, five steals, three blocks, and three assists in the triumph over the Pipers (2-9, 1-7 MIAC). Zimmermann shot 6-of-15 from the floor and 6-of-6 from the charity stripe, while securing six of her 17 rebounds on the offensive side of the ball.
 
Katelyn Vavra also had a career day, as the senior guard cashed in on 4-of-8 from downtown and 7-of-8 from the free throw line to lead the Royals with 19 points.
 
"I was very pleased to see Kate shoot the ball so well," said Coach Herbrechtsmeyer. "I was equally pleased with how poised our team was in the midst of a very physical game."
 
Bethel did remain poised, as they were trailing late in the first half and went into the locker room with a five-point advantage. The Royals increased their lead to 10 in the first four minutes of the second frame to give themselves a cushion throughout the latter half.
 
"Our defense struggled in the first half, especially as it pertained to how we had scouted and prepared for the Pipers," said Herbrechtsmeyer. "However, I was happy to see our attention to detail pay off defensively in the second half."
 
The Royals outrebounded Hamline 52-32, which was huge in attaining a 20-7 margin in second-chance points. Bethel also made 28-of-36 (77.8 percent) attempts from the foul line, opposed to the Pipers, who mustered 9-of-14 (64.3). BU took 28 free throws in the second half alone.

Hamline's Chelsey Bonsante led all scorers with 22 points on 5-of-10 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc and 8-of-16 from the field.
 
Following Saturday's matinee win, BU improves to 7-0 against MIAC opponents. The Royals will put their unbeaten streak on the line against the Tommies at Schoenecker Arena at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening.