ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—The Bethel University women's basketball team tipped off their 2014-15 campaign Tuesday night with a home opener against the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. The Royals forced the Eagles into 31 turnovers, which created a 31-13 advantage in points off turnovers and ultimately aided BU to a 70-67 victory in the season debut.
 
Bethel never trailed throughout the entire second half, using a 12-3 run at the end of the first period and the beginning of the second to build a nine-point wedge with 17:51 remaining in the game. The Eagles narrowed the gap to one point, however, over the course of the next three minutes thanks to outstanding shooting at the charity stripe.
 
The Royals never surrendered, though, as Lexi Friesen's 3-pointer and a layup by Hannah Niewald capped a 16-3 surge that put Bethel ahead by 13 with 9:36 left in the contest. UNW played catch-up the rest of the game, but nearly overcame the deficit—falling three points shy at the final horn.
 
Sophomore forward Kalli Zimmermann continued her dominance as a Royal, as she finished the nonconference affair with 27 points, seven steals, six rebounds, and three assists in 32 minutes played. Despite only playing 24 minutes due to foul trouble, Rachel Parupsky also contributed her first double-double of the season—finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds. For Parupsky, it was her 21st career double-double performance.
 
Hannah Niewald ended the night with eight points, seven boards, and four assists, while Lexi Friesen also added eight points, three rebounds, and three assists.
 
In addition to the significant difference between the two teams in points off of turnovers, Bethel also took advantage of a 34-26 margin in points in the paint and a 10-0 gap in fast-break points.
 
The Royals return to the hardwood this Saturday, when they face another nonconference opponent in Buena Vista University. Tipoff between BU and the Beavers is scheduled for 1 p.m.