MANKATO, MN.  – The BLC women's basketball team is ready to continue their record setting season in the first round of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) tournament. The Vikings, who set a regular season record with 20 wins, earned the #2 seed in the upcoming playoffs and will host #3 MN-Morris. The Vikings also hosted the Cougars last season in the semi-finals of the UMAC tournament and won by a score of 76-64.
 
The Vikings and Cougars split during the regular season this year. The Cougars took the first matchup back on January 2nd by a score of 76-67 in Morris. The Cougars were led in that game by Kendra Raths and Abby Van Kempen with 19 points apiece. The Vikings, who were without Abby Olson, were led in scoring by Haley Sandin with 25 points.
 
In game two, the Vikings defeated the Cougars by a score of 68-62 in Mankato. The Vikings were able to hold Raths in check, limiting her to just seven points. Abby Van Kempen scored 15 points to lead the Cougars. Hanna Geistfeld made her presence felt in the second matchup with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Haley Sandin was also a key contributor with 14 points and nine assists.
 
Home-court advantage seemed to play a role in the outcome of both games as the two teams were statistically even across the board with the exception of field goal percentage. In both games, the home team held a significant advantage in overall field goal percentage which seemed to be the difference in the outcome.
 
A Quick Comparison:
 
MN Morris: 16-9 overall, 12-4 UMAC, 3rd Place, Head Coach Tim Grove (13th season)

• Leading scorers (UMAC): Kendra Raths – 16.1 (2nd), Abby Van Kempen – 14.0
• Team Stats (UMAC): 70.4 points per game (3rd), 34.1 Defensive FG% (2nd), 79 3FG Made (6th), 266 Free Throw Attempts (5th), 16.6 Turnovers per game (4th)

Bethany Lutheran: 20-5 overall, 14-2 UMAC, 2nd place, Head Coach Lyle Jones (17th season)

• Leading scorers (UMAC): Abby Olson – 19.0 (1st), Hanna Geistfeld – 15.6 (4th), Haley Sandin – 15.4 (5th),
• Team Stats (UMAC): 78.3 points per game (1st), 35.0 defensive FG% (4th), 120 3FG Made (1st), 325 Free Throw Attempts (1st), 16.1 Turnovers Per Game (3rd)

 
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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