The Gustavus women’s basketball team defeated Bethel University 83-61 on Saturday afternoon. Twelve Gusties scored in the game, led by sophomore post Bri Monahan with 19 points and eight rebounds. First year guard Jess Vadnais also contributed 17 points. The Royals were led in scoring by junior guard Jen Ahlberg with 18 points. With the win, the Gusties improve to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the MIAC, while Bethel falls to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in the conference.
The Gusties started the game strong, going on an early 12-0 run to take a 16-5 lead seven minutes into the game. Gustavus held Bethel to 33.3% shooting in the first half and forced 18 turnovers, while shooting over 50% on their own basket. The Gusties went on another 10-0 run late in the first half and took a 48-25 lead into halftime.
Bethel improved its shooting in the second half, but the Gusties played stingy defense throughout to maintain their lead. First year guard Kayla Shumski scored 12 of her 14 points in the second half for the Royals, but the combination of costly turnovers and 43% shooting from Gustavus proved too much of an obstacle to overcome. Gustavus’ balanced scoring attack led the team to an 83-61 victory.
The Gusties shot 47.8% from the field in the game, including 40% from behind the arc and 68.2% from the free throw line. Gustavus” 83 points marks the team”s highest offensive output of the season.
The Gusties will be back in action on Wednesday January 12 in a matchup against St. Olaf. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in St. Peter.