ASHLAND, Wisconsin-The Bethel University women's basketball team opened their 2015-16 season with a bang, as they defeated Northland College 72-48. The Royals (1-0, 0-0 MIAC) outscored the Lumber Jills (0-1, 0-0 UMAC) 25-10 in the first quarter en route to the 24-point victory.

BU finished the game shooting 42.6 percent from the floor and nearly 80 percent from the charity stripe, while Northland was held to just 25.4 percent shooting. The Royals topped the Lumber Jills in both points off turnovers (20-15) and points in the paint (14-8).

Sophomore guard Angie Kirchoff had a career night, as the Barrington, Illinois native finished with 13 points and five rebounds. She was joined by three others in double figures, including Hannah Niewald, Molly O'Toole, and Shanni Moorse. Niewald scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while also adding six rebounds and two steals. O'Toole poured in 12 as well during her Royal debut and Shanni Moorse just missed a double-double with 10 points and eight boards.

Bethel continues its season this weekend when they head to Naperville, Illinois for the North Central Classic. The Royals will play Maryville, who is ranked No. 17 in the USAToday preseason Top 25 poll, on Friday at noon.