ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Senior forward Taite Anderson's double-double effort with 22 points and 13 rebounds led the Bethel University women's basketball team to a convincing 77-54 victory over Wisconsin-Eau Claire in its home opener Tuesday evening.

A strong opening quarter backed by forcing 32 turnovers that turned into 39 points, the Royals stay unbeaten on the year at 2-0.  Bethel takes a week off before returning to the hardwood on Wednesday, Nov. 20 traveling to Wisconsin-River Falls. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Anderson did most of her work at the free throw line drawing 14 fouls while going 10-of-15 at the charity stripe. Bella Williams along with Anderson had a game-high five steals. Kat Brown-Erdal continues to dazzle in her rookie season chipping in 14 points while going 3-for-7 behind the arc. Elizabeth Schwarz collected four rebounds and 12 points while Michaela Craigan rounded out the top scorers with 11.

The Royals put the pressure on early forcing 11 first quarter turnovers. BU jumped out to an 8-0 run in the first minute of play before the Blugolds put a tally in the scoring column. The Royals went on scoring the final eight points of the opening 10 minutes for a 24-9 lead.

As Bethel got cold from 3-point range, Eau-Claire chipped away at the BU lead. Leading by as many as 16 the Royals saw that dwindle down to 30-23 following a pair of free throws for the opposition. A big three ball from Craigan in the final minute sent BU into the locker room with a 43-30 advantage.

Coming out of the locker room strong defensively Bethel put up 18 points off turnovers in the third. The lead reached to 20 plus with the Royals outscoring the Blugolds 26-10 for a 69-40 lead heading into the final 10 minutes. Bethel was able to go deep into its bench in the fourth holding its largest lead of the game at 73-42 on a layup from Anderson at the 8:28 mark.