ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - The St. Olaf women's basketball team was defeated by Bethel University 59-47 on Wednesday night in its MIAC opener at Robertson Center Gym.

Michelle Lother posted a career high in points with 21. The first year led all scorers and added three assists, two blocks and a pair of rebounds in the loss. 

Makenna Ash had her first double-double of the season with ten points and ten rebounds. Betsey Daly had 13 rebounds and six points for the Oles (2-4, 0-1 MIAC). 

Bethel (4-1, 1-0 MIAC) led by as many as 16 in the third quarter, but St. Olaf chipped its way back within five in the middle of the fourth. 

The Oles will be back on the road at St. Catherine University on Saturday for a 3 p.m. game.