MANKATO, Minn. - A new Bethany women's basketball championship banner will unfurl from the rafters of North Gym as a result of a 55-48 win over UW-Superior on Saturday afternoon. The Vikings (13-10, 10-0 UMAC) have clinched at least a share of the UMAC regular season championship, marking their fourth title and first since 2021-22. 

The Yellowjackets had the early advantage, up 6-2 in the opening minutes, but the Vikings went on a 7-0 run and held the lead the rest of the quarter. Superior was able to regain the lead at 14-13 in the first minute of the second quarter, but once again the Vikings had an answer, going on a 9-3 run to take the lead for the rest of the half. Megan Wegner made a three with four minutes left in the half for their largest lead at 22-16 and the Vikings carried a 25-22 advantage into the break. 

Superior again took the lead twice early in the third quarter before the home team closed out the frame on a 7-0 run. Bethany led 41-34 after 30 minutes. 

Kenadi Arndt gave the Vikings their first double-digit lead at the 6:44 mark of the fourth and a three by Morgan Hulke at 3:36 put them up 55-41 for the largest scoring spread. 

Bethany shot 35.2 percent, led by Wegner and Arinn McGee with 13 points apiece. McGee also led the glass with eight rebounds. The Viking defense limited the Jackets to just 14.3 percent from long range and forced 20 turnovers. 

The Vikings can win the conference title outright and the No. 1 seed for the UMAC tournament with a win Wednesday at home against UM-Morris. Bethany won the first game of the series 71-63 on Jan. 28. 
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