Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. (Jan. 2, 2008) – The Northwestern College and Bethel University women's basketball teams were on the opposite ends of the spectrum on Wednesday evening, as the Royals held a 20-point first half lead en route to a 65-39 defeat of Northwestern.

While the Eagles didn't make it over the 30 percent-mark from the field, Bethel countered with a 53.5 percent performance to continue their winning ways at 5-2 this season.

Northwestern was never really able to get things going, as after an Eagles early 2-0 lead, Bethel took over, as evidenced by their 21-9 lead with 11 minutes remaining in the first period. After a 39-19 Royals lead at the half, Bethel coasted the rest of the way until their win was concrete 20 minutes later.

No one on Northwestern's roster made it to double figures in points, as Kelly Zuleger (Cresco, IA/Crestwood High School)'s (Cresco, Iowa/Crestwood) nine points led the team. Ariel Liesch (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) followed with eight.

Erica Hormig scored 18 points to lead the Royals, while Annegret Nautsch was one rebound shy of a double-double, scoring 11 points and bringing down nine rebounds.

Northwestern (2-9, 1-0 UMAC) will take to the court again on Friday, when they host Finlandia University in their final non-conference affair at 5:30 p.m. in the Ericksen Center. The Eagles will resume their UMAC schedule the following Friday, when they host St. Scholastica at 5:30 p.m.