ARDEN HILLS, MINN.—For the second season in a row, the No. 23 Bethel University women's basketball team is heading to the second round following an 81-73 victory over Millsaps in the 2025-26 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament First Round in front of a 418 loud fans at the Robertson Center on Friday night.

The Royals, who improve to 23-6 and push their win streak to seven games, will face Coe College in the 2025-26 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament Second Round at the Robertson Center tomorrow, Saturday, March 7 at 7:45 p.m. Millsaps' season ends at 21-8.

Bethel 81, Millsaps 73

The game featured a whopping 18 lead changes. Ten of those occurred in a first half that ended with a 39-38 Bethel lead. The final eight lead swaps were in a third quarter that ended with Rosalie Penke's three-pointer at the buzzer that put Bethel in front for good at 59-58. The driver's seat belonged to the Royals from that point forward, as they outscored the Lady Majors 22-15 over the final 10:00 to seal an 81-73 win.

Emily Erickson scored a career-high 31 points on 13-of-18 shooting, and had five rebounds for Bethel. Coming off the bench with 17 points, five boards, and two steals was Elly Schmitz. All over the stat sheet was Colette Duininck, who had 13 points as well as a team-leading three steals and four assists. Cally Peterson had a team-leading three steals and two blocks to go with eight points.

The Royals shot .460 (29-of-63) from the field, and notched 27 points off turnovers.

Millsaps was led by Tia Anderson's double double 24 points and 13 rebounds, as well as Elyse Warren's 13 points and 13 boards. Garin Freeman also had a double double 12 assists and 14 points.