MOORHEAD, MINN.—The No. 20 Bethel University women's basketball team made the trip to Moorhead for a non-conference game at Concordia (Minn.) on Tuesday evening. The Royals, who returned to action following a 13-day hiatus from completion, notched their first victory of 2025-26 with a 52-44 road decision over the Cobbers.

Bethel improves to 1-1, while Concordia's first loss of the season moves them to 4-1.

Bethel 52, Concordia 44

Emily Erickson scored Bethel's first four points to even the score at 4-4 with 5:10 remaining in the first quarter. The Royals grabbed the lead for good in the first half off Macey Littlefield's jumper that made the score 6-4 at the 4:11 mark. That kick started an 11-2 run that gave Bethel their largest lead of the contest at 15-6 with 8:40 remaining in the second frame.

Concordia shrunk their deficit to two points, thanks to a 15-8 run that got them within Bethel 23-21 at halftime. 

Four of the game's five lead changes occurred in the second half. The Cobbers took their final advantage of the contest off Taya Jeffrey's jumper that put them in front 42-41 with 6:47 left in the contest. Bethel closed the contest with an 11-2 run within the final 6:27 to secure a 52-44 victory.

Despite the victory, Concordia had the upper hand in field goal percentage .386 (17-of-44) - .367 (18-of-49), and rebounds 33-29. However, it was the Royals who forced 23 turnovers, and had the massive edge in points off turnovers 23-2.

Emily Erickson paced Bethel with 18 points and seven rebounds. Colette Duininck had seven assists and three steals for the Royals. Ali Born added a team-leading four steals for Bethel.

Maya Metcalf and Taya Jeffrey each had 10 points for the Cobbers.

Bethel will return to action at Macalester on Wednesday, December 3 at 7 p.m.