In a close first outing for the Swedes, number 22 ranked Concordia University used a 7-0 run right before halftime to go into the locker room with a 43-32 lead. Down by as much as 13 in the second half, Bethany tied the game at 47 with 13:40 to go in the game. However, the Bulldogs pulled away after an 11-1 run, and despite a scare by the Swedes as they pulled within five, Concordia hung on for an 81-66 win over Bethany.

Sophomore Rhys Pihl gave an extraordinary effort on the night, scoring 41 points and chalking up nine rebounds.

"Rhys had a phenomenal performance," said head coach Jim Campion. "They could not stop her really. She was shooting from the perimeter, but most of her shots came from inside paint. If she wasn't making those, then she was going to free throw line. She did a great job of keeping us in the ball game."

The only Swede to score in double figures, R. Pihl was 9 for 18 from the field and 20 for 22 from the free-throw line. "We do need to get other people to step up and do scoring at times, obviously," Campion said.

Turnovers and balanced scoring proved to be the difference in the ball game. The Bulldogs, who had five players score in double digits, scored 30 points off Bethany's 35 turnovers.

"Handling the press is something we have to improve on," said Campion. "We got better as the game went on. Initially, the press they put on us dictated what type of game they were in. Once we settled down, we were fine."

Bethany is now 0-1 overall. The squad headed to York College on Monday, November 9 at 5:30 p.m. and is now set to host their first game against Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Thursday, November 12 at 6 p.m. The Swedes then face Ft. Hays State University in a 2 p.m. afternoon exhibition on Sunday, November 15.