MISHAWAKA, Ind. - Despite a 12-2 lead to start the game, the Lawrence Tech women's basketball team drops its season opener to Bethel College 72-59 on Oct. 24. The Lady Blue Devils have now lost three straight season openers but have rebounded to win the following game each year. This year, it's a road contest against Indiana University - South Bend on Oct. 25 at 1pm.

Lawrence Tech (0-1) jumped out to a ten point lead in the opening five minutes of action as Captain Allison Bicknell (JR/Waterford, MI) and newcomer Alex Ruster (FR/Warren, MI) combined for nine of the first 12 points. However, the Pilots slowly chipped away at the deficit, eventually tying the game with 7:41 remaining in the first half. Bethel took a five point lead with under a minute left, however Ruster was able to beat the buzzer with a field goal to trail by three at halftime, 33-30.

The Blue Devils tied the game for the fifth time on another clutch basket by Ruster, three minutes into the second half. Nevertheless, Bethel's Ashley Lutz sank a two-pointer to give the Pilots the lead for good. BCU held a five-to-eight point lead until 3:43 remaining, breaking open a double-digit lead to seal the win.

Allison Kitchen (SO/Clio, MI) led all Blue Devils with 19 points, while adding five rebounds. Ruster and Bicknell finished with 11 points each. Maegan Branham (SO/Michigan Center, MI) added five points, three assists, and a team-high 11 rebounds.