Photo Credit: John Sehloff

MANKATO, Minn.  – The Bethany women's soccer team faced Ripon College on Sunday afternoon at the BLC Soccer Field. The Red Hawks entered the non-conference contest ranked in the NCAA Division-III North Region top 10, with an 11-0-1 overall record. Ripon continued their winning streak with a 5-1 victory over Bethany.
 
The nation's top goal scorer, Paige Birschbach, scored three first half goals for the Red Hawks to bring her season total to 20, which leads the entire nation at the Division III level.
 
In the opening minutes of the second period, Rachel Bitter (Bemidji, Minn.) scored for the Vikings to cut the deficit to 3-1. Bitter now has 14 goals this season, ranking sixth across the nation in goals scored this season.
 
Ripon would go on to score two more goals to defeat the Vikings 5-1.
 
Up next:
Bethany (5-6-2, 2-1-1) will now play Martin Luther in a non-conference match on Tuesday in New Ulm, beginning at 3:15 p.m.
                                                                               
To stay current with Vikings athletics this season, continue to visit www.blcvikings.com and follow @BLCvikings on Twitter. MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Lucas Herd at 507-344-7856 or email lucas.herd@blc.edu.