ST. PETER, Minn.—Bethel University's women's basketball team picked up a critical 65-52 road win over Gustavus Adolphus College Wednesday night in St. Peter behind
Sydney Schultz's 19-point performance.
The victory not only gives the Royals their fourth consecutive, but also improves their record to 12-4 overall and 6-3 in loop play. Because of the win, as well as several other clutch road wins, BU stands tied for second place with Gustavus and Saint Mary's—both teams they have already beaten.
Bethel jumped out to a seven-point lead with 16:48 remaining in the initial period and despite the Gusties evening the score at 17-17 with 12:52 still on the clock, the Royals never backed down. BU put on a 19-5 run to end the first half and begin the second, which proved to be the difference down the stretch.
Gustavus whittled the Royals' lead down to nine with 14:07 left in the game, but from there Bethel put their foot on the gas pedal and stretched their lead to 18 before cruising to the eventual 13-point victory.
Sydney Schultz led all players with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including a 4-of-7 mark from downtown and 3-of-4 from the free throw line. Behind her was
Kalli Zimmermann, who added another double-digit performance to her 12 already this season. Zimmermann also boarded six shots, blocked three more, and snipered three steals.
Bethel's balance continued with
Rachel Parupsky, who scored nine points, rebounded seven attempts, and blocked eight shots.
Angie Kirchoff poured in eight, while
Shanni Moorse and
Hannah Niewald added six.
For the night Bethel shot 41.3 percent from the floor and 50 percent from downtown. Only one other person attempted a 3-pointer besides Schultz. Meanwhile, Gustavus shot just 31.7 percent from the field and 30 percent from deep.
The Royals return to the hardwood Saturday afternoon, when they travel to St. Olaf to face the Oles for a 1 p.m. matinee. Following their weekend road test, Bethel returns home to play seven of their final eight games at the Robertson Center Gym.
