ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's women's basketball team shook off any bad vibes from their conference opener against St. Catherine University last Wednesday night, as they enjoyed a 58-35 victory over St. Olaf College Saturday afternoon in their MIAC home opener. The Royals, who had 14 blocked shots last week against UW-River Falls, set a new program record with 17 swats in today's victory, including 11 in the second half.
 
BU went into the intermission break with a 32-20 advantage and used the final 20 minutes to build the eventual 23-point victory. The Royals were able to accomplish this feat behind a 58-43 margin in rebounds. A big part of this was due in part to Bethel holding the Oles to 17.4 percent shooting from the floor and 4.8 percent shooting from downtown.
 
While the Bethel defense had a banner day, so did junior center Rachel Parupsky. Parupsky recorded 18 points, 13 rebounds, and seven blocks in 23 minutes of play. The Arden Hills, Minn., native was 6-of-10 from the floor and 6-of-7 from the charity stripe.
 
Kalli Zimmermann finished one point shy of her second double-double this season, putting up nine points, alongside 12 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Lindy Parker also had an exceptional day in BU's front court, as the senior hauled down 12 rebounds and scored seven points.
 
Parupsky, Zimmermann, and Parker helped the Royals outscore the Oles in the paint 30-16. They also outrebounded St. Olaf defensively by nearly 20 boards. Bethel's bench outscored the Oles 19-9, thanks to Parker, Kailey Eid (five points), and Anna Munsterteiger (four points).
 
Now 1-1 in conference play and 4-1 on the season, Bethel begins a road journey like none other. The Royals will play on their own hardwood one time in the next 12 contests. The Navy and Vegas will endure its tallest task throughout that stretch in the first game next Monday, when they travel to Winona, Minn., to face a ranked Saint Mary's squad that is the defending MIAC Champion. Tipoff Monday is scheduled for 7 p.m.