EUGENE, Ore. – Hope International pulled away late from a tight contest, knocking off the Bushnell University women's basketball team in their home opener, 70-61.    
 
The Beacons (0-3) battled with the Royals (2-1) through 22 lead changes and 11 ties, only to see HIU use an 18-9 fourth quarter to pull out the win.   
 
Head Coach Chad Meadors said, "I think at this point we are doing some things that are really good, but we obviously have some things to work on. We have been so focused on improvement and not being outcome-based, that we really have to challenge ourselves to work on the things we are building on. We got anxious at the end of the game, being in a close game, and our conversion rate was not what you want it to be."
 
Senior Ayden Krupke led the way for the Beacons with 20 points, hitting four three-pointers, while Karlee VonMoos added ten points and eight rebounds. Kenzie Pedersen posted ten points and seven boards as the Beacons were able to out-rebound the Royals 40-31. Sabrina Flowers added nine points and Ciena Tumoine led all players with six assists.
 
For Hope International, currently receiving votes in the NAIA national coaches poll, Amira Austin's strong presence in the post led to a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds as she shot 10-for-15 from the field. Nicole Chuang added 14 points and a team-high four assists in the win.
 
UP NEXT: The Beacons return to action next Saturday on the road, traveling to Salem to take on Willamette University in a non-conference clash at 4:00 pm.