ST. PAUL, Minn. -- St. Catherine basketball returned to Butler Center on Saturday afternoon hosting No. 20 Bethel University in the teams first MIAC game at home this season. St. Kate's put on a show playing a gritty match up against the Royals falling 66-45 after a strong start. The loss puts St. Kate's at 0-2 early in conference play with a 5-4 overall record. 

Jordyn Peed set the tone throughout, attacking downhill and finishing at the rim for a team-high 18 points on an efficient 9-for-15 shooting afternoon. Lily Peper owned the glass and contributed inside and out, totaling seven points and eight rebounds with a steady presence in the paint.

Hattie Fox added seven points and several strong drives, while Julia Harmon provided a needed spark off the bench with seven points, including a momentum-building three just  seconds after Peper knocked one down. 

The Wildcats opened with poise in a tight first quarter that ended just 11-10 but their best stretch came late, putting up 17 points in the final quarter led by Harmon. 

St. Kate's will close out 2025 with one more conference game on Friday, December 12 traveling to Duluth to face the College of St. Scholastica. They return to Butler Center after the new year hosting Hamline University on January 3.