ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's women's basketball team uncorked the rim early and often against Macalester College, as the Royals defeated the opposing Scots at home 82-46. BU utilized 53.1 percent shooting in the opening half to build a 26-point margin and cruised to the eventual 36-point victory.
 
Rachel Parupsky had a banner night for Bethel, as the junior forward from Arden Hills finished two blocks shy of her second career triple-double. Parupsky did, however, manage to amass her fourth double-double of the season behind 17 points, 11 rebounds, and eight blocks. Her 6-of-11 shooting (54.5%) from the floor was indicative of the team's performance, as the Royals finished the game shooting 46.8 percent from the field.
 
Parupsky was one of many to contribute to Bethel's 46-20 advantage in points in the paint. Kalli Zimmermann added 10 with four rebounds, while Anna Munsterteiger finished with eight points on 3-of-5 shooting and three rebounds. One reason BU outscored the Scots down low and throughout the game was their advantage on the glass, as the Royals outrebounded Macalester 55-40. Lindy Parker boarded 12 shots for the Royals, while blocking two and assisting three.
 
Hannah Niewald continued her success Monday night as well. Niewald scored 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting, aided four Bethel baskets, and turned the ball over just once. In the past four contests Niewald has averaged 11.3 points per game, opposed to her 6.5 average in the first 10 contests. Sydney Shultz also contributed nicely from the outside, scoring 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting and hauling down four rebounds.
 
The Royals received great donations from bench players Maria Stoke-Cerkvenik, Lauren Robertson, Chelsea Jans, Shannon Good, Lisa O'Connor, and Kaela Huber down the stretch. Together the group accumulated nine points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals in the final minutes. They along with several others on the BU bench helped Bethel outscore the Scots 29-13 in bench points.
 
Now 10-4 on the season and 4-3 in loop play, Bethel takes their show back on the road for three consecutive conference matchups. Their first will be at Carleton on Saturday, January 17 at 1 p.m., followed by a Wednesday night contest at Gustavus and a Saturday matinee at St. Olaf next week.