ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University basketball team fell to the conference leader, Bethel University Royals, on Saturday afternoon 64-38. The loss to the Royals completes the MIAC sweep for Bethel over St. Kate's as the Wildcats are now 8-9 overall with a MIAC record of 3-7. 

Hattie Fox delivered a nine points and seven rebounds while Lily Peper added nine chipping in four rebounds. Emme Golembiewski had an eight point game with seven boards with two blocks and two steals. 

Bethel came out strong in the first ending the quarter with a solid 20-9 lead. St. Catherine struggled offensively, shooting just 28.6% from the field in the first 10 minutes.

The second quarter saw the Royals extend their advantage to 42-19 by halftime. Despite a brief spark from Rachel Randleman and Greta Schimnowski, the Wildcats could not keep up with the Royals balanced attack.

Bethel's defense and offensive depth continued to shine in the second half helping push the lead to 57-36 after three quarters. In the final period, Bethel's defense stifled St. Catherine's offense, holding them to just 2 points while closing the game out with a 64-38 final.

The Wildcats return to Butler Center on Wednesday hosting the Concordia College Cobbers at 7 pm.