ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's women's basketball team endured a heart-breaking loss against Gustavus Adolphus College Wednesday night, as the Royals (10-4, 5-2 MIAC) took the unbeaten Gusties (14-0, 7-0 MIAC) down to the wire but fell in the end by a final score of 58-62. BU led at the end of the first three quarters, but a 17-11 run for GAC in the final 10 minutes proved to be the difference.
 
Defense was the name of the game for Bethel, as the Royals held Gustavus—a team averaging 72.9 points coming into the night—to 62 points. BU swatted 11 blocks, which included a career-high eight from Hannah Johnson, out-rebounded the Gusties 39-23, and kept premier scorer Mikayla Miller to 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting, thanks in large part to Shanni Moorse. 
 
Bethel also performed well on offense, shooting 41.3 percent from the floor, 42.9 percent from outside the arc, and 73.7 percent from the foul line.  Abby Miller had a game-high 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting, while Angie Kirchoff finished with 12 and two boards. Jasmin Bretoi also made nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from long range.
 
Hannah Johnson was a monster inside, as the sophomore post player recorded eight points, 16 rebounds, and eight blocks in 37 minutes of play. Also playing well in the paint was Taite Anderson, who just missed her third career double-double with nine points and eight boards.
 
The Royals look to rebound Saturday in St. Paul, where they take on St. Catherine University at 3 p.m.