Martin Luther College Defeats Bethany Lutheran College in Women’s Basketball Game

Staff photo by Travis Rosenau Martin Luther College’s Emma Nelson goes up for a layup as Bethany Lutheran College’s Aubrea Kor (5) trails behind during an Upper Midwest Athletic Conference women’s basketball game Saturday at MLC in New Ulm.

Key Players Lead Martin Luther College to Victory

New Ulm — In an Upper Midwest Athletic Conference women’s basketball game, Martin Luther College defeated Bethany Lutheran College with a strong second half performance. The Knights showcased a balanced effort with five players scoring in double figures.

Lydia Feidt Shines for the Knights

Lydia Feidt was the leading scorer for the Knights, contributing 17 points and six rebounds. Grace Kieselhorst added 14 points, while Emma Nelson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Lauren Paulsen and Jordyn Heckendorf also made significant contributions with 12 points each.

Unified Team Effort

The Knights’ head coach, Dan Gawrisch, praised the team’s unity and balance, stating, “We’re playing really well together. I think you see that with a balanced scoring effort today… Making the easy one, trusting one another and help-side defense when needed, making the easy pass.”

BLC Falls Short in Shooting Percentage

Bethany Lutheran College struggled with their shooting, with the Knights outshooting them from the floor, 40.4% to 32.8%. The Vikings also only made five 3-pointers, in contrast to their previous match against the Knights when they made double-digit 3s.

Solid Defense and Poise Lead to Victory

MLC’s solid defense was a key factor in their win, as they focused on limiting the Vikings’ dribble-drive and contesting their shooters. Coach Gawrisch emphasized the importance of maintaining poise and playing like Knights for the entire 40 minutes of the game.

Knights’ Dominant Third Quarter

In the third quarter, the Knights went on an 8-0 run to establish a double-digit lead. This offensive surge was sparked by key plays from Lydia Feidt, Emma Nelson, and Grace Kieselhorst.

Overcoming Adversity

Despite facing foul trouble with key players, such as Emma Nelson and Jordyn Heckendorf, the Knights maintained their composure and extended their lead to secure the victory. Coach Gawrisch commended the first-year players for their poise and ability to take advantage of opportunities on both ends of the court.

Upcoming Games

MLC (8-11, 3-5) will host Minnesota Morris in their next game, while BLC (4-15, 4-4) will face off against Crown College.