MANKATO, Minn. – The Bethany Lutheran women's basketball team (7-2 overall) used a 24-10 fourth quarter to defeat nonconference opponent, Saint Benedict (6-3), 73-62, Saturday afternoon.  

The game was tied at 33 all at halftime, and the Bennie's later led 52-49 at the end of the third quarter. The Vikings opened the final frame on a layup from junior Hanna Geistfeld (Truman, Minn.) and took the lead on a basket from freshman Skylar Cotten (Grand Meadow, Minn.). BLC compiled an 8-0 run to build the margin to 61-52 with 5:47 to play in the game.

Saint Benedict was able to make it a three-point game on its two successful free throws with 4:05 remaining. Bethany once again answered with a 7-0 run to push the lead to double digits once more as senior Emily Skrien (Nicollet, Minn.) hit a trey with 52 seconds to go.



Geistfeld tied her career mark with 31 points, 20 of which were scored in the first half alone. Junior Abby Olson (Montevideo, Minn.) joined her in double figures with 18 points. Olson led the team on the glass with eight rebounds and Geistfeld followed with seven.

The Vikings owned the team advantages in field goal percentage (45.2 – 38.2), free throw percentage (75.0 – 7.0.), rebounds (43-31), offensive rebounds (15-10), and assists (19-16).

BLC returns to the court Tuesday when it travels to face St. Catherine at 3 p.m.