ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University basketball team dropped their conference season opener at Bethel University on Monday evening. The Wildcats were defeated 58-44 to snap their win streak and sit at 3-3 overall. 

Senior Greta Schimnowski and rookie Jordyn Peed each put up a team best nine points as Schimnowski had six rebounds and one block and Peed tallied three boards and one steal. Junior Emme Golembiewski had a game best 12 rebounds adding eight points, three assists and one block. 

The first quarter was a competitive battle, with Kaylee Miron scoring early and Bethel quickly responding with back-to-back layups. While St. Kate's struggled with missed opportunities, Schimnowski's jumper and Peed's three-pointer kept them in the game. However, Bethel's consistent scoring, and a key three-pointer gave them a 16-11 lead at the end of the quarter. 

The second quarter featured a tight battle as both teams traded momentum. Schimnowski led the Wildcats efforts with key layups, while Bethel stayed ahead thanks crucial scoring. Despite St. Kate's tying the game at 19 late in the quarter, Bethel's free throws and steady defense secured them a slim 23-21 lead going into halftime. Turnovers and missed opportunities from both sides added to the intensity. 

Coming out of the half, St. Kate;s struggled with turnovers but Golembieswki provided a breif scoring spark before Bethel took a commanding lead. The fourth quarter featured intense back-and-forth action, with both teams battling for control.  St. Catherine struggled with missed opportunities in the paint, but late-game scoring by Golembieswski and Elle Covey narrowed the gap slightly. Bethel maintained their lead through key contributions  ultimately sealing the game with a strong finish at the free-throw line. 

The Wildcats will break for the holiday before traveling to Saint Mary's University on Wednesday, December 4 for a 7:30 pm MIAC game against the Cardinals in Winona.