ARDEN HILLS, Minn. -- The Macalester College women's basketball team returned to Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action Wednesday evening after grabbing a non-conference win over North Central on Monday, Jan. 12. The Scots traveled to Arden Hills, Minn. and the Bethel University campus to take on the Royals in the teams' first meeting of the season. The Scots fell short, dropping to Bethel 82-46 at the final buzzer.

With the loss, Macalester falls to 3-11 overall this season and 0-7 in the MIAC. Bethel University improves to 10-4 overall and 4-3 in conference action.

The Royals defensive pressure resulted in a poor shooting night for the Scots. Freshman center Regan Fruh was a lone offensive bright spot for the Scots as she scored a season-high 17 points to lead Macalester. Fruh made three of nine shots from the field and knocked down 11 of 14 attempts at the line.

Sophomore forward Park Masterson pulled down eight rebounds to lead the Scots and added five points on the night.

Erin Murray dished out a game-high four assists.

Bethel was led by Rachel Parupsky who finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks.

Macalester connected on just 22% of shots from the field while Bethel posted a 47% field goal average. The Scots were outscored by 26 in the first half, but were able to harness the scoring deficit in the final twenty minutes to 10.

Macalester will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 17 as they host St. Mary's University at 1 p.m. in the Leonard Center.