Forest City, IA.  – The Bethany Lutheran College women's basketball team lost their first game after a 10-1 start to the Waldorf University Warriors, by a score of 74-72. The loss moves the Vikings record to 10-2, though they still remain undefeated in the UMAC conference, with a record of 4-0. Both of the Vikings losses have come on the road.
 
The Vikings were able to take control of the game early, jumping out to a 19-9 lead with about three minutes left in the first quarter. That would be the Vikings largest lead of the game, and the first half would end with the Vikings up 38-36.
 
In the second half, the Warriors would start to take over. They quickly tied the game at 42, and would end the third quarter up 52-50. The final quarter would be back and forth, but, despite having two attempts to take the lead in the closing seconds, the Vikings would not be able to pull through, losing the game 74-72.
 
The Warriors defense was a large factor contributing to the loss. The Warriors were able to tally up 5 blocks and 8 steals, and also force the Vikings into 15 turnovers, which they converted into 18 points. By comparison, the Vikings only had 2 blocks and 6 steals, and only forced a turnover 12 times, scoring 8 points. The Warriors also locked up the Vikings top scorer Abby Olson, only allowing her 2 points off of free throws, and forcing her to miss both of her shots in the second half.
 
The Vikings did see strong games from a few of their players. Hanna Geistfeld had 18 points, Abby Olson had 16 points and 4 rebounds, and Kenlie Pytleski had 13 points and 5 rebounds.
 
Up next: The Vikings hope to bounce back against the St. Olaf College Oles on Sunday, December 30th at 5:00 p.m. in Northfield, MN.
 
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MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dan DeWitt at 507-344-7856 or email ddewitt@blc.edu