Before moving into MIAA play in the new year, the sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team takes on one more non-conference opponent in Bethany College Sunday, December 30. First tip in the 2018 finale is set for 2 p.m. from Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The Tigers wrapped up 2017 with a wire-to-wire victory over Bethany College exactly one year ago, 68-39 (12/30/17). The Tiger defense pestered the Swedes all afternoon, limiting BC to 12 field goals and a 26 percent shooting effort while forcing 19 turnovers and blocking 12 shots. Newcomer Lanie Page led the team with 14 points after making her first four shots as aTiger, while Tatyana Legette contributed 10 points, eight rebounds and three steals. This is the first time the Tigers and Swedes have battled in back-to-back years since the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.

Fort Hays State is 18-3 all-time against the Swedes, including victories in five straight meetings. All three Bethany victories came in Hays, with the latest a 12-point victory early in the 2002-03 season. Overall, the Tigers are 14-3 against Bethany inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. FHSU is 4-0 against the Swedes under Tony Hobson.

With Sunday's game serving as an exhibition for the visitors, Bethany will enter the new year with an 8-7 overall record and a 4-5 mark in KCAC action. The Swedes' defense ranks 39th in NAIA Division II with just 62.6 points allowed per contest, but the offense has been outscored by 1.1 points per game as they average 61.5 points each night. Bethany has limited its opponents to a shooting percentage of 35.6 percent so far this season, 20th in the NAIA DII. Leading scorer Lauren Welsch (11.7 ppg) hasn't played since October. Kelsi Mueller puts up 10.8 points and 1.5 steals per contest, while Cassidy Enns grabs a team-best 5.1 rebounds each night.

A win Sunday would give the Tigers their best start in program history. They are 10-0 so far this season, matching their starts from 2012-13 and 2015-16.

The Tigers rank first in Division II with just 10.5 turnovers per game while compiling a turnover margin of +11.3 so far this season, third-best in the country.